Sam Hiestand

Sam Hiestand, age 91, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at Parkview Heights in Garnett.

Danny "Sam" Hiestand was born on October 22, 1930, in Welda, Kansas. Sam was the fourth of six children born to Daniel M. and Mildred L. (Parks) Hiestand. As a young boy, Sam made the request to be Sam instead of Danny, so he was Sam from that point on. He grew up in Welda, graduating from Welda High School in 1949. On July 11, 1950, Sam was united in marriage to Freida Adams, at Mont Ida, Kansas. Their union was blessed with five children, Linda Faye, Leonard Dean, Roger Dale, Glenda Kay and Carol Jane. Sam and Frieda first made their home near Welda, where Sam farmed and drove a milk truck. After going to work for Jack Cooper Transport, the family moved to Denver, Colorado. Sam spent 34 years delivering GM vehicles across the Western portion of the United States and earned a "Million Mile Award" for no accidents or tickets. In 1980 they transferred to Kansas City, eventually retiring in Garnett.

As a family, he enjoyed camping and fishing most weekends in many places including Alaska and Yellowstone, Deep Lake in Colorado being his favorite spot. He also enjoyed and was most proud of the moose he shot in Alaska. They enjoyed snowmobiling and family, going on several trips with their snowmobile club. He was a private pilot and flew up to Alaska with his brother, George, to sell an airplane. At night, they slept under its wings. They had so much fun, they decided not to sell it and flew it back home. They made a trip down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon on mules and enjoyed it so much, they went back two years later. Sam never new a stranger and would strike up a conversation with whoever would listen.

Sam belonged to the Model A Car Club and was a member of the Westminster Masonic Lodge Chapter 172.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ruby Ensley and Betty Adams; brother, Bob Hiestand; and his son, Leonard Hiestand.

He is survived by his wife, Freida Hiestand, of the home; children, Linda Miller and husband, Tarry of Garnett, Roger Hiestand of Garnett, Glenda Colden and husband, J.R. of Kirk, Colorado, and Carol Hiestand of Garnett; daughter in law, Debbie Hiestand of Laramie, Wyoming; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; brother, George Hiestand and wife, Jan, of Arvada, Colorado; and sister, Judy Blubaugh and husband, Roger, of Olathe, Kansas.

"I have had a good life; plains, trains, and automobiles. I have worked hard and loved my work. We have seen the country and enjoyed the mountains. I have a good gal and good kids. The good Lord has blessed me. I can't complain about nothing."
Dad - August-2021

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM., Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the First Christian Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Welda Cemetery. Sam's family will greet friends on Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. Memorial contributions may be made to the Welda Community Building and left in care of the funeral home. You may send condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .