Samuel Arthur Fluetsch, 62, of Caldwell, leaped into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007. Family members were at his side as he peacefully passed away at a Boise hospital. A Memorial Service to celebrate and honor his life will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5, 2007 at the Oregon Trail Church of God, 23057 Old Hwy 30 in Caldwell. A private burial at the Middleton Cemetery will precede the memorial service. The family will greet loved ones and friends at the Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Ave. So. Ð Nampa Ð 466-3545 on Sunday evening, Feb. 4, 2007 from 5 to 7 p.m. Sam was born on Aug. 29, 1944 in Nampa the son of Lloyd and Thelma Fluetsch. He was reared and educated in Emmett and graduated from Middleton High School. He attended Northwest Nazarene University. He married Diana Vail in 1967 and to this union their daughters Audra and Traci were born. He married Carol Haney Hill in 1991 and they made their home in Caldwell. Sam worked for Canyon County Weed Control for 40 years. His faith, family and friends were very important to him throughout his lifetime. Sam was a devoted loving family man and friend, always eager to listen and help. His original humor brightened many days. His God-given talent as a gardener and restorer of antiques brought joy to many. He lived his life for Jesus and his daily walk was so evident. He shared the gospel with many and gave God the glory. He and his wife went on four mission trips to South America. He was a member of the Oregon Trail Church of God. Sam is survived by his wife, Carol; his two daughters and sons-in-law, Audra and Jim Butkus, Logan, Utah and Traci and LeRoy Alonzo, Nampa; stepdaughter and her husband, Michele and Mario Trevino, Wilder; stepson and his wife, Mike and Terri Hill, Adrian, Ore.; brothers, Robert and Robin Fluetsch, in New Zealand and Jon and Karen Fluetsch, Clawson, Mich.; sisters Anne and Dave Swallow, Adrian, and Bette and Kenny Lee, Nampa; he was Grandpa Sam to 13 grandchildren and a favorite uncle to a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lloyd Lincoln Fluetsch. The family was honored to give Sam´s corneas to the Idaho Lions Eye Bank so that others may have the gift of sight. The family suggests memorials be given to the Oregon Trail Church of God, 23057 Old Hwy 30, Caldwell, Idaho 83605 or to MISTI, 308 E. Hawaii Ave., Nampa, ID 83686. Sam´s favorite verses of Scripture were Romans 8:38 & 39 which remind us that there is nothing that separates us from the Love of God.


Published in the Idaho Statesman on 2/3/2007.