Sam Heikes

My Life since 1966: that's 40 yrs since 1966-...
Seven surgeries later I finally earned my artificial knee.. Well life really has been pretty good, and I can still walk just not run or ski or,,, VHS good for me- I had friends, sports, wrestling knee) and was prepared to go on academically . 1st to Montana state ( trout fishing/beer major) short stint @ USD then SDSU then on to Oberlin college, EVillage New York and Europe ( 4/f Knee remember) 3 moon $ 10/day in Scandinavia hitchhiking with Eurarail pass. There I met my 1st wife Grete a Norwegian weaver. A yr later I returned to North Norway where we were married. We cam back to farm in Vermillion with my dad " Russ" ( Who's still on the farm @ 82) Mom " Kay" passed away four yrs ago. Grete and I had 2 kids Eirik Asa 35- Landscape Architect - Billings Montana. Sunni Marie 31- Wildlife Biologist in Ennis Montana. Following another knee injury & Surgery we sold out and went to SDSU to finish my Agronomy/An Science degree started in the seed business in 72 graduated 74 only took 8 yrs of minor credits, Poetry, welding, filmmaking & Philosophy. We then spent a yr in Norway where I worked in the international grain bus @ Staten’s Kornforettinf. Returning back to Vermillion we formed and raised livestock with Dad on grandpa’s farms till he passed away. Then we moved to the Pierre and Fort Pierre Area and I became Sigo Sam the Sunflower man. Guess I was one of the " Original flower Children" that found my calling. Although the marriage with Grete failed followed by a long painful divorce. She left with the children I stayed alone with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.  I came to understand forgiveness and unconditional love personally for the 1st time in my life. At 35 that was a life changing experience for me that continues to grow stronger even today. Thru the singles group in our local Community Bible Church I met my wife Gladys- a farm girl & nurse from Murdo- John Thune’s Friend and Classmate. We been happily married for 23 yrs- blessed with 2 daughters Heidi Ann who is 17 and Ashley K who is 20. So with 3 daughters 1 son and 2 grandchildren- We are truly blessed! At 58 I continue in the seed business as a DSM for Legend Seeds specializing in Wildlife Habitat development, and I'm actively serving the lord as a traveling circuit rider minister- Sowing the seeds of eternity in love- Wherever I find fertile soil...

I look forward to seeing you all at the class Reunion!

Susan Abell. .Tom Abell Kathy ArmstrongBruce/Allen Agnew Connie Cleland AshmoreMerle Ashmore Vicki Block Sharon Brewer Steve Busch Mary Jane Carlin Allan Charrlin Lonnie Cleland JoEllen De Vilbiss Jayne Girard