Warren A. "Sam" Ciriacks, age 69, of West Bend, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2006 at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on September 27, 1936 in West Bend to the late Alvin and Eleanor (nee Schott) Ciriacks. Sam graduated from West Bend High School, Class of 1954. He then spent a year at Valparaiso University before entering the United States Air Force, where he served until 1959. Shortly after returning to West Bend, Sam began his employment with the West Bend Company. He retired after a 27 year career.
On October 5, 1957 Sam was united in marriage to Marlene Reynolds at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church, West Bend. Throughout the years, Sam became a very active member of the Methodist Church. He was also a member of the West Bend Masonic Lodge #138 F&AM, an Associate Guardian of the Jobs Daughters Bethel #25, and a Little League coach. While a snowbird in Florida, Sam cooked for Meals on Wheels for 8 years. Sam enjoyed golfing and deer hunting with his grandsons, and was an avid PlayStation gamer. He enjoyed playing bridge, skat, and sheepshead. Door County vacations with his family were always special. The Mission Trip to India in July 2004 was a life-changing event for Sam and Marlene.
Sam is survived by his wife, Marlene; four children, Linda (Mike) Smeaton, Jeff Ciriacks, Debbie (Dale) Bossler, and Sandie (Paul) Fischer, all of West Bend; nine grandchildren, Jack & Cody Smeaton, Alex Ciriacks, Andy, Ryan & Kaitlyn Bossler, Melanie, Samantha, & Megan Fischer; two sisters, Waynette Major of Phoenix, AZ, and Jeanette (Wil) Schuelke of Mesa, AZ; a brother, Aaron "Bill" (Ruth) Ciriacks of Black River Falls; a brother-in-law, Tevis Reynolds of Pisgah Forest, NC; four sisters-in-law, Marolyn (Bob) Kell of West Bend, Janet (Herb) Schwarze of Durham, NC, Bonnie (Ralph) Julien of Cherokee Village, AK, and Kay (Rev. Robert) Blackburn of Berlin; Step-mother-in-law, Marie Reynolds of West Bend; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Zachary Smeaton.
A memorial service to celebrate Sam's life will be held on Saturday, September 23rd at 2:00 pm at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church. Rev. Jean Bartlett will officiate. Visitation will be Saturday, September 23rd at the church from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Cremation took place at Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, with Sam's cremated remains being buried in Washington County Memorial Park.
Memorials to Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church to benefit the Phillip and Timothy Stains Orphanage in India are appreciated.