Cliffird Sams

Clifford “Cliff” Sams, 101, longtime farmer of rural Beaman, passed away early Monday morning, Dec. 20, 2021, at the Iowa River Hospice House in Marshalltown.

To honor the wishes of Cliff and his family, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service was planned for Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Kim Wilson officiating at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Interment followed at the Vienna Cemetery, rural Beaman with full military honors provided by the combined VFW/American Legion Honor Guard of the surrounding area. The public was also invited to Clifford’s visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home. The family encouraged all attendees to wear masks. Iowa River Hospice, Oakview Estates of Conrad and the Iowa Honor Flight will benefit from memorial contributions. For further information or to send Clifford’s family a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Born Clifford C. Sams on November 14, 1920 in rural southeast Iowa, he was one of six sons born to Burt and Vesta (Wilkins) Sams. After graduating from Marshalltown High School in 1939, he went on to obtain his Herdsman certification from Iowa State University. In 1942 Cliff enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably during WWII.

Upon Cliff’s return, he continued his work on the family farm. Together they raised prize-winning Jerseys until 1966 when the difficult decision was made to disperse the herd. Hardworking and dedicated, Cliff was a farmer both by trade and hobby. He raised hogs, kept goats and enjoyed all things horticulture, including beekeeping and gardening, especially his flowers. He was a member of the Iowa Cattlemen Association, the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Farm Bureau and Toastmasters. Cliff was also the oldest living Pioneer seed corn grower for the Toledo plant.

The only thing more important to Cliff than farming was his family. In 1943, while in the Army, he wed June Maxheimer. Their son, Paul was born after Cliff’s military service. In 1960, he married Wilma Bauerle Johnson and a blended family was formed with Judy and Brad. Two daughters, Beth and Sarah were born in the ensuing years to complete the family. Cliff and Wilma celebrated 58 years together before her passing in 2018. Cliff lived a long, full life, leaving a legacy of hard work and integrity to his five children and their families.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Judy (Arnie) Sohn, Paul (Cheryl) Sams, Brad (Jeanne) Johnson, Beth (John) Elshoff and Sarah Sams; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his brother, John Sams; brother-in-law, Merwin (Dorothy) Bauerle and numerous nieces and nephews.

In eternal life, he is reunited with his beloved wife of 58 years, Wilma; his parents; four brothers and other family.