Sam A. Munson, age 89, passed away of natural causes on April 18, 2011 in Nampa, Idaho. His humor and loving ways will be missed by his children, Ronald, Roger, and Janet, and his 10 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren. Sam married his high school sweetheart, Helen Zimmerman, in 1942 and they had 63 wonderful years together. Helen preceded Sam in death in 2005.

Sam was born to Judith and Matt Munson on January 11, 1922 in Helena, MT. He grew up in Lennox where he helped his father and brothers with the Munson Dairy. He attended Helena schools, graduating from Helena High School in 1941. He served in the U.S. Naval Air during WWII from 1942 to 1945. He graduated with a BA in Economics from Carroll College, Helena, MT in 1951.

Sam was employed by Mountain States Telephone Co. in Butte, Mt. and then moved to Billings, Mt. where he was employed by Farmers Insurance Co. as a Special Claims Rep. He was transferred to Glendive, Mt. in 1957 and started his own Independent Adjustors office, Pioneer Claims Service, in 1959. In 1968, Sam and Helen moved to Bozeman, MT. and again worked for Farmers Insurance Co. In 1983, they moved to Havre, MT. and then to Great Falls, MT in 1986. In 2002, they made their last move to Nampa, ID.

Sam was very active in the United Methodist Church and served as Yellowstone (MT) Conference Lay Leader from 1961-1968. He was Lay Delegate to the General National Conference in 1964. He enjoyed leading Adult Bible Study and other volunteer activities in the church. (he was never invited to join the choir) Sam and Helen enjoyed Square and Round Dancing for 30 years and made many special friends. Sam was a private pilot utilizing an airplane in his work at Pioneer Claims throughout Eastern MT. He also was an instructor and Assistant State Coordinator for AARP 55 ALIVE Driving Course. His children and grandchildren have many cherished memories of camping and boating with Sam and Helen at Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

A "Celebration" of Sams life will be held at 11AM on April 26, 2011 at St Pauls Methodist Church in Helena, Montana with a reception following at Jorgensens Restaurant. Memorial donations can be made to Intermountain Childrens Home, 500 S. Lamborn St., Helena, MT 59601

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