Loveland Newspaper Loveland, Colorado 11-27-01 Sam Zeiler died Nov. 23, 2001, in his Loveland home. He was 90. He was born May 6, 1911 in Loveland to Margaretha Uhrich and Conrad Zeiler. Sam married Florence C. Lebsack on Dec. 17, 1939. She died Jan. 24, 1998. Sam graduated from Johnstown High School and attended Colorado A & M, now Colorado State University. Sam worked on the family farm in Loveland. He farmed dryland and irrigated land, along with feeding the cattle. Sam was a lifetime resident of Loveland and he passed away in the very house where he was born 90 years earlier. Sam was the youngest of eight children and the last of Conrad Zeiler's family. Sam had a generous spirit and was known for his willingness to help his children and others in times of need. Sam never met a stranger. He enjoyed running a combine and harvesting wheat on the dryland. He had a passion for fishing and, in his younger years, enjoyed hunting. Sam loved to dance. He was an avid fan of any sports that his grandsons were involved in. He took great pride in keeping up the yard and hosting family and church gatherings. For more than 50 years, Sam was always Santa Claus for family Christmas celebrations. He was a Christian man and an avid reader of the daily word. He lived his Christian faith. To his family, he was truly "the salt of the earth." Sam was a member of the First United Methodist Church for 61 years. He was a life member of the BPOE Elks Lodge No. 1051. He was a member of the Larimer County Farm Bureau and the First United Methodist Church Zealous Workers Class. He was also a member of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR). He is survived by: son Bill Zeiler and wife Diane of Vancouver, Wash.; son Sam Zeiler and wife Dawn of Seattle; daughter Carol Maxfield and husband Ray of Loveland; son-in-law George Bakovich of Loveland; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife Florence Zeiler; daughter Sharon Bakovich; grandson David Zeiler; brothers Jacob Zeiler, Henry Zeiler, Harold Zeiler and Carl Zeiler; and sisters Katherine Uhrich, Rachael Amen and Lydia Libsack. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Olon Lindemood officiating. Viewing will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Allnutt-Hunter Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church in care of Allnutt-Hunter Chapel.