Charles "Sam" Rees

1957 - 2023

Charles "Sam" Rees, 65, Goodland, passed away April 30, 2023, in Lafayette with his sister, Louann by his side.

Sam was born Nov. 25, 1957, in Watseka, Ill., to the late, Russell "Red" and Virginia (Honn) Rees of Goodland.

Sam graduated from Carroll County High School in Flora, residing with his sister and brother in-law, Patty and Dick Elbert in 1975. He continued his education at Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis where he got his degree in auto mechanics. He had several maintenance jobs that would close and move away. His last job, retiring from the Town of Goodland after 13 years, where he was Water Works Superintendent. He made the remark "They won't move to Mexico". Sam never knew a stranger. He enjoyed boating on Lake Shafer, darts with many friends, stock car racing, NASCAR, wrestling and old Western TV shows.

Sam is survived by sons, Jacob R. Rees, Momence, Ill.; sisters, Louann (Tim) Wetli, Fowler, Patty Elbert, Dayton; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Louise Henderson Praeger, MaDonna Lynn (Rees) DeBusk-Harris; and brothers-in-law, Dick Elbert and Paul Praeger.

A special thanks to Terra Richard and Cindy Thaxton for their love and support of Sam during the last stages of his illness, his sister Louann Wetli was there for him day and night as his guardian angel caring for him endlessly. Also, a special thanks to Holscher Products of Fowler for letting her miss so much time for all of his needs and medical appointments.

A memorial visitation will be held 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. CST Saturday, May 13 at the funeral home. The family asks that you dress casually and join them after at the Goodland Community Center for refreshments.

There will be a private memorial service at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Goodland Chapel, 119 W. Union St., Goodland. 219-297-3583 www.kellerfh.com