Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Samuel Indorf Obituary
INDORF, Samuel
Ellsworth
Born April 25, 1942
Passed away May 4, 2011
Sam Indorf lived an incredible life surrounded with love of family and meaningful friendships. He was the third child born to Fritz and LaVon Indorf in St. Frances, Kansas.
Although Sam came from humble beginnings he was determined from a young age to make a better life for himself and his family. He believed you could not underestimate the value of an education. Through grit and perseverance, he accomplished his dream.
He graduated from Boulder High School in 1960 and soon after attended the University of Colorado. From there he moved to Texas, attended North Texas University, and most importantly met the love of his life, Judy. They were married in Dallas in 1966. After Judy's graduation they moved to the Northwest, settling in Spokane. Sam finished his education at EWU with a degree in Business.
He taught at Cheney High School for 25 years and found his calling coaching wrestling. His efforts produced numerous successes, including multiple individual state champions and a team championship in 1989. He was inducted in the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1994. Through his Culture Exchange program he mentored and coached a multitude of teams around the world. Some of his honors were Inland Empire Sports Writers and Broadcasters Certificate of Achievement in 1990, Washington State Wrestling Coach of the Year 1984, and Director of the NAIA National Wrestling Tournament in 1977. It was his passion and mission to make a difference in his students' lives.
He retired from Cheney High School in 1993 and rekindled the other love of his life, golf. Manito Country Club became his home away from home and the people there were his extended family. He would often say to Judy on the way out the door, "I'm going to Heaven" (referring to Manito). He spent numerous hours playing golf, cards, and just enjoying life.
Although he spent many hours traveling with wrestling and golf teams, there was nothing he was more committed to than his family- his wife Judy, his two daughters Julie and Petra, and his sons-in-law Rod and Scott. They were his heart and soul and the reason for his existence. The pride he felt in the successes of his girls and the strong, independent, loving women they've become and his four grandchildren- Ava, Isabel, Laurel, and Liam- were his crowning achievement.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his nephew Jay Lyn, and his devoted and loving sister Joyce. He is survived by his wife Judy, his two daughters Julie and Petra, his grandchildren Ava, Isabel, Laurel, and Liam, his brother Elwin, his brother-in-law Brownie, his niece Mindy, and his nephews Scott, Arlan, Jay, and Mark.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday May 12, 2011, at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church, 4102 S Crestline St, Spokane WA 99203.
Charitable donations can be made in Sam's honor to Hospice of Spokane.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Indorf
Scott Glabb
May 25, 2011
Sam gave me my first chance at coaching wrestling..I was attending EWU and had to red shirt my first year there...so I decided to try my hand at coaching...Mindy (Sam's neice) introduced me to Sam and right away I felt him to be a warm and genuine soul who really cared about people.
For the next two years at Eastern I continued to help Sam coach..it was a great experience coaching with him..he had a terrific sense of humor too...I am now a head wrestling in southern california and owe a lot of my success to Sam in giving me the opportunity to work with him. I wish I would have stayed in better touch with him...I regret it.
God's blessing and my prayers to his family.
Scott Glabb
EWU 1985
Karrie Sims
May 14, 2011
He was a kind and caring teacher and Im so sorry for your loss..
Fred Bozanich
May 12, 2011
Sam alwaysade believe in myself. His passion for wrestling was contagious. He was always in the cutting edge and talk about "style" he epitomized it. God bless you Coach
Sharon Galloway Locey
May 12, 2011
I was never fortunate enough to have Mr. Indorf as a teacher -- EVERYONE wanted to be in his class! He was a much loved teacher, known for his kindness, professionalism, and great wrestling teams. I still remember Julie in her toddler-version cheerleader outfit, cheering on her dad's team! Your dad will not be forgotten, Julie and Petra.
May 12, 2011
Judy and family,
There are far too many memories of times with Sam to try to relate now. He was such a positive guy and always had a smile and kind word for all. His sense of humor was unmatched. Even though it's been years since I actually had seen him, I've thought of him often. God be with you, the girls, and your extended family.
"RP" Bob Miller
May 11, 2011
he made a change in me /god bless
James Rogers
May 10, 2011
Mr. Indorf was a great guy and a great coach! He will be missed. He treated all the students in school with respect and that made him a great teacher!
James Rogers
May 8, 2011
I have so many memories of him. From giving me a ride to school in the morning with Julie to different stories about songs. I still remember some of them when I hear the tunes on the radio. And he was the first (along with Julie) to call me Rhondie. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you all during this time.
Rhonda McKelvey Royse
Jan George
May 8, 2011
Judy and family:
As a High School classmate of Sam's, I want to let you know that many of us who knew him 'back then' at BHS mourn your loss. He was always so full of fun and joy. I'll remember his smile and his easy way with people, as well as his great skill as a dancer!! :)
He is gone too soon!! Sincerely, Jan Anderson George
May 8, 2011
My mom always told the story about how Mr. Indorf always made sure that I made it home ok. So sorry for your loss.
Michelle Barrier
Mark Hildenbrand
May 8, 2011
Mr. Indorf was the kind of teacher who made you WANT to sit in the front row. I was pretty shy when I attended Cheney High School, and having many of his classes definitely helped me come out of my shell. the only way I can describe him is “larger than life“. Mr. Indorf took time to get to know me, and insisted that I expand my horizons. He convinced me to take classes that would challenge me, and I have always admired him for giving equal attention to students who were far from the athletic type. I graduated in 1985, and Mr. Indorf’s congratulations is the only one I still remember. Through the years I have seen Mr. Indorf many times, and you could always count on a warm greeting, and strong handshake.
May 8, 2011
Judy,
I always appreciated the fact that Sam made me feel very welcome when I first came to Cheney.
Colleen and I have you and your family in our prayers. Stay Strong.
Dick Huselton
Tim Byers
May 8, 2011
Judy, Julie, and Petra, my thoughts are with you. Sam was one of a kind. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Samuel Indorf's name
Memorial Events
for Samuel Indorf
How to support Samuel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Samuel Indorf's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
