SAM UNZICKER
Sam OscarUnzicker was born April 26th, 1922, near Friend, Nebraska to Oscar F. and Agnes E. (Edmiston) Unzicker. Sam, as he was known, attended Lamar Grade School and graduated from Chase County High School in 1939. In October of 1942, Sam entered active service in the U.S. Navy, serving as a pharmacist mate in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945. Sam later continued his education in Welding and Farm Mechanics Diesel at Nebraska State Trade School in Milford, Nebraska from November of 1953 through April of 1954.
On October 20th, 1946, Sam married Virginia E. Kistler in Holyoke, Colorado and the couple settled on the family farm west of Lamar near the Colorado/Nebraska border. Sam and Virginia lived in the Lamar Community for many years before eventually moving to the Blanche Community in Northeast Chase County. They were blessed with over 69 years of marriage.
Sam truly delighted in time with his family. He was fun-loving and always had a beaming smile. Sam was a hardworking outdoorsman, spending many hours caring for his cattle. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, the VFW Post #4688 of Imperial, and was active in 4-H for many years. He dedicated many years as a 4-H leader and was a sponsor until present. Sam also served over 28 years on the Chase County ASCS Committee. He enjoyed watching sports, playing cards, especially in the Blanche Card Club, visiting neighbors, and he loved dancing.
Sam passed away Saturday afternoon, January 23rd, 2016, at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home, in Imperial. He was 93 years of age.
Survivors Include:
Wife, Virginia Unzicker of Imperial, NE
Daughter, Connie Lappin and husband, Tom of Chandler, AZ
Son, Doy Unzicker and friend, Joyce Huff of Lincoln, NE
Daughter, Peggy Smith and friend Marv Nesiba of North Platte, NE
Daughter, Kim Unzicker of Greeley, CO
Daughter, Terri Leibbrandt and husband, Tim of Imperial, NE
12 Grandchildren: Julie (Bryant) Barber-Holmes, Dawn (Dave) Thompson, Sydney Unzicker, Ashley Unzicker, Lindsey (Bruce Fromme) Pankonin, Megan (Joel) Mueller, Bret (Jodi) Smith, Matthew Anderson, Tara Anderson, Wade (Celeste) Leibbrandt, Ellen (Tyler) Hughes, Paula Leibbrandt.
15 Great-Grandchildren: JaCasta, Sebastian, Remington, Solomon, Macrina, Delia, Dexter, Austin, Taylor, Blake, Makenzie, Kayden, Jace, Jada, and Colin.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, 2 brothers, and one sister.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 29th, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church of Imperial, Nebraska with Pastor Dirk Weiss and Martin Harmon officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 P.M. at the Blanche Cemetery, rural Imperial, Nebraska.
Visitation will be held Friday morning before services at the United Methodist Church of Imperial.
A memorial has been established in Sam’s memory.
Military Rites by VFW Post #4688 of Imperial, Nebraska
Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
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