Samuel Weir Jr.

Samuel Weir, Jr., 75, of Gilman, died Thursday, January 25th, at his home while in care of the Grinnell Hospice. His death came peacefully at 10:05 a.m. with his family at his side. Funeral services and a celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 29th at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home with Susan Latham, Chaplain of the Grinnell Hospice officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with full military honors by the United States Marine Corps honor squad. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow in the hospitality room of the funeral home. Friends may call at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home from 2-4:00 p.m. Sunday. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. All memorials may be directed to the Grinnell Hospice. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Sam and his family. Ph 844-1234. Born on April 3rd, 1931, in Marshalltown, he was the son of Samuel and Tena Weir, Sr. He grew up helping his father on the acreage that is still in his family. He started farming on the farm that has been in his family since 1936 with five mules. He attended country school and graduated from the Gilman High School in 1950. Sam served our country proudly in the United States Marines Corps from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1954. He served active duty in the Korean War and was recipient of several medals, including the Purple Heart. In 1951, he was united in marriage to Marilee VandeKamp. To this union, two sons were born; Doug and Keith. He farmed and raised cattle and with his sons and grandsons showed many Champion Steer of Merit at the Iowa State Fair. Sam also drove school bus for 31 years and with his loving wife raised miniature purebred black schnauzers and have for 15 years. Many remember, Sam always enjoyed a good practical joke and had a great sense of humor. Left to celebrate his life are his loving wife of 54 years, Marilee, sons Doug (Sandy Wilkens) and Keith (Linda Renoux), three grandchildren; Brad, Christa and Amy and four great-grandchildren.