SALEM — Samuel George “Sam” Hiestand, 95, of rural Salem, Illinois passed away October 21, 2022, at Cedarhurst in Centralia, Illinois. Born September 2, 1927, in rural Salem, he was the son of Claude B. and Ruby Mae (Leckrone) Hiestand. He had fond memories of riding his horse Scotty to Allen School where he attended 1st through 8th grades. He was the only boy in the class, and was taught by his aunt, Bess Hiestand. Sam graduated from Kinmundy-Alma High School. He served in the United States Army, remaining very patriotic throughout his life.

On December 17, 1950, he married Nellie Brasel. Sam and Nellie settled in Alma Township where Sam began his career in grain and livestock farming. Sam was a lifelong member of the Marion County Farm Bureau and served on the Illinois Wheat Association board. He also served on the Summit Prairie Cemetery board. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Church and faithfully attended the Kinmundy First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, his children: Dennis Hiestand and wife Linda of Alma, Joanne Luttrell and husband Bill of Salem, Jean Jones and husband Randy of New Baden, Mark Hiestand and wife Connie of Salem, son-in-law, David Bookhout of Salem, 13 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, June Bookhout, his parents, his brothers Ralph, Dan and Walter Hiestand and sisters Marjorie Deadmond and Martha June Robinson.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Sam’s life at the visitation to be held from 6:00 pm -8:00 pm, Tuesday at the Sutherland – Rankin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 97, 310 N. Broadway, Salem, IL 62881 618-548-1234, entrusted with the family’s care. Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm Wednesday at the Kinmundy First United Methodist Church in Kinmundy. Burial will follow at the Summit Prairie Cemetery, rural Salem with military honors accorded at the graveside by the Salem American Legion Post #128 of Salem. The family suggests memorials be made to the Summit Prairie Cemetery and will be accepted by the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at sutherlandfuneralhome.com.