Samuel "Sam" Greco

Samuel "Sam" Greco
December 9, 1931 - February 13, 2014

Sam Greco, 82, of Oelwein passed away on Thursday February 13, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein. Visitation will be from 3-7 PM on Sunday February 16, 2014 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein. Funeral services will be at 3 PM on Monday February 17, 2014 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein. A memorial fund has been established in Sam’s name.

Samuel Joseph Greco was born on December 9, 1931 in Oelwein to parents Louis and Julia (DeDeco) Greco. He graduated from Oelwein High School in 1952. Sam then served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. In May of 1961, Sam was united in marriage with Jackie Heldt. They later divorced. Sam worked at Donaldson Company for 39 years, retiring in 1994.

Sam enjoyed trout fishing, trips to Canada and gardening. He was an exceptional cook and enjoyed sharing his Italian food with his friends and family. He was an Iowa Hawkeyes fan and a devoted Cubs fan. Most of all he loved his family, grandchildren and spending time with his special friend Colleen.

Left to celebrate Sam’s life are his children: Nancy (Randy) Myott of Oelwein and Michael (Lisa) Greco of Oelwein; his grandchildren: Michele Courtney, Melissa Avenson, Kelly (Avenson) Goettelman , Katie O’Loughlin, Mike Rabagia, Sammy Myott and Abby Greco; his 3 great grandchildren; his brother Pete (Iva) Greco of Oelwein; his son-in-law Tim O’Loughlin; as well as many friends.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Karri O’Loughlin (2004) and his brother Tony Greco; his sister-in-law Eilleen Greco.

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Cathy Martin on February 24, 2014 at 12:10 PM said:

My sympathy to your family at the loss of Sam.

joe caparelli on February 20, 2014 at 1:10 PM said:

Rest in peace Uncle Sam. You will be missed by all. I know you are in a better place in heaven with the rest of the family. I remember when you used to bowl and come to CB-Omaha for tournaments and mom would take us kids to watch you. To Nancy and Mike our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God Bless and look over you both and your families.

Amy Greco Welden on February 17, 2014 at 1:24 PM said:

Dear Nancy and Mike and Families -

Your dad, my "Uncle Sam", used to drive me back home to S. Frederick after I had been baby sitting for you. I also recall the lively conversations around the kitchen table between your dad, my dad, and their fathers. Everyone always had an opinion, spoken in Italian and with a frenzy of waving hands!
May you find peace, love and strength within the memories.
Cousin Amy

mike steimel on February 15, 2014 at 6:03 PM said:

Wish I could be there for the funeral greco family but as you all know hailey got a heart the same day pete passed away which I am sure pete helped to get thanks pete give my mom mary a big hug in heaven...

Bridgte Hartmann on February 15, 2014 at 2:11 PM said:

Ohhhh, I am so sorry for you all. You were lucky to have such a wonderful man in your lives! Some of my fondest memories are of growing up at the Greco homes, and having Sunday dinner with all of you. I often think of Sam laughing at us eating corn on the cob, homemade frosting, or an entire box of Valentine chocolates. And I will never forget learning all about "head cheese"... He always made me feel like part of the family. He will most certainly be missed by many.

Randy Myott on February 15, 2014 at 10:04 AM said:

Dear Sam I will miss you very much, you filled a hole in my heart put there twenty years ago when my father passed away. And I thank you very much for that. Although you are no longer with us now I will always see you in my wife Nancy's smile and your son Mike's eyes. Just like when I look at Melissa, Kelly, and Katie I see Karri Sue. Everyday you would come to our houses and fill it with love and laughter. I will miss that more than anything. Your compassionate personality is in each and everyone of your grandchildren. You loved your Italian heritage and lived it everyday that is why even though no Italian blood flows through my veins it flows in my heart. To all in my family grieving at this time we will get through this together because thats what families do. Go Hawkeyes!! Go Cubs. Love Randy

Perry Greco on February 15, 2014 at 9:21 AM said:

Rest in peace uncle Sam! A great family man who will be missed by all who knew him.

Mary Steimel Domer on February 15, 2014 at 8:44 AM said:

My deepest Sympathies to you Mike and Nancy
I will always remember the summer your dad taught me how to make pasta sauce and how to can tomatoes.

Lynne Koch on February 14, 2014 at 3:28 PM said:

My heart is very sad today. I loved Sam like a second dad! A great man will be missed. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Debbie Bliss Miller on February 14, 2014 at 12:57 PM said:

Deepest sympathies to the Greco family. Our families shared many great times. I think three generations, my grandfather Vern, my dad Pete, along with all of the kids have fond memories of fish stories, gardening secrets, and always having fun.

Colleen Sansone on February 14, 2014 at 10:12 AM said:

We had a very special friendship that started many years. ago. I will forever miss him.
My heart goes out to Nancy, his daughter and to Mike, his son, and the rest of his family. Sam loved them all dearly.
Colleen

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Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home

309 1st Avenue NE | Oelwein, IA 50662 | Phone: 319.283.4653

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