Sam Henry Riechers, 69

Sam Henry Riechers was born July 23, 1953, in Southern, Wis. He passed away Nov. 23, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz.

After growing up on his family farm, he left for college and graduated from University of Wisconsin Platteville in 3 ½ years, earning a BS in physics in 1974. Sam met Janet in the spring of 1974 at a Christian Fellowship conference. With job searching and romance blossoming he quickly asked for her hand in marriage and whisked Janet off to Tucson where he worked as an analytical chemist for Magma Copper Company. He returned to school at the University of Arizona to obtain his certification in industrial statistical process and quality control, helping to ensure copper samples with 99.9 percent purity. 

Sam served others as a self-taught handyman & jack-of-all-trades. He enjoyed amateur photography, camping, hiking, traveling, and especially his four grandchildren. Sam has served as hospital chaplain of Northwest Medical Center for 18 years. He was delighted to cook for others. He fed so many people. Sam was the happiest when working on a project, building something special with his hands that he knew would be useful to others. 

Sam is survived by his wife Janet of Tucson. Son Matthew (Kelly) of Dalton, Mass. Son Aaron (Sara) of Grants Pass, Or. Brother James (friend MaryAnn) of Green Valley, Ariz. Sister Mary (Larry) of Florida. Brother Mark (Janice) Darlington, Wis. Grandchildren Madeline, Isabella, Daxon, & Maelle, and many cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and treasured coworkers. 

Sam was predeceased by father Bill, mother Betty, and infant brother Joseph.  

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at Northwest Bible Church of Tucson Ariz., on Dec. 10, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northwest Bible Church in memory of Sam Riechers, to be distributed to his favorite charities; 889 W Chapala Dr, Tucson, AZ 85704.