Samuel E. Vana

     Samuel E. Vana, 75, of Sturgeon Bay, died Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay.

     He was born February 7, 1941 to Samuel and Anna (Danko) Vana. After attending Lane Tech High School in Chicago, IL, Sam enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he served from 1960 to 1964 when he was honorably discharged. On February 10, 1962, Sam married Barbara E. May at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Chicago. She died in an automobile accident August 17, 2001.

     Sam worked as a lithographer with Black Dot Inc. for many years in Chicago until his retirement. Soon after retirement, they moved to South Lake Michigan Drive where he has enjoyed these past 20 years. Following Barb’s death, Sam was a familiar, friendly face at our local Wal-Mart store where he worked at the checkouts.

     Sam loved the outdoors, but in order of importance, he never lost his love of the water. He loved fishing and captaining his boat around the canal and the bay of Green Bay. Great enjoyment was had in the solitude of his home, sitting for long periods looking into his woods, watching the deer and wildlife out of his kitchen windows. Those times enjoyed with family and friends were most important to Sam: watching plays at Peninsula Players, fishing with family and friends, bowling leagues, Packer games, chopping wood, using power tools, and Sonny’s Pizza.

     He will be missed by his three daughters, Mary Jo (Michael) Denz of Dunedin, FL, Bonnie (Steve) Leffler of Crystal Lake, IL, Cristine Vana of Sturgeon Bay; three grandchildren, William Zachary (Kristan) Valleau, Jaclyn Denz, Robyn (Ben) Kuracka ; one great-granddaughter, Kiera Francis Valleau; sister, Diane Piette of Indianapolis, IN; sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen (David) Kuffner of Wilmette, IL; his neighbors on SLMD; and many friends.

     Sam was preceded in death by his parents; dear wife, Barbara; and brother-in-law, Mike Piette.

     A celebration of Sam’s life will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay. Military honors will follow at the funeral home.

     Friends may call at Huehns Funeral Home on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. 

     Condolences and guestbook signing may be offered at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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