Funeral services for Joseph Sam, 59, of Wakpala will be at 11 AM, Friday, April 29, 2016 at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Wakpala. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. An all-night wake will start at 5 PM with services at 7 PM Thursday at the Wakpala community center. Joseph passed away Sunday, April 24, 2016, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck.

Joseph was born on February 4, 1957 in Fort Yates, ND to Roselyn Bone Club and Don Sam. Joseph was one of seven children. He lived in the country and his family moved to Wakpala when he was 14. Where he permanently made is home there. Growing up, Joseph had his share of nicknames given to him. His father, Don enjoyed calling him "Quick Draw McGraw," while his peers referred to his as "Joe Kid". But out of them all Joseph preferred to be call; Joe.

Joe attended school in Wakpala and graduated as a Salutatorian with a class of 4 in 1976. All throughout his school years he was heavily involved in school activities. He was part of the Student Council, and loved to play basketball, his favorite sport/ He also ran track and cross country. Which he qualified for State in 1974-1975, his Junior year. Right after high school, Joe attended college at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD, he studied Business Management.

When he wasn't in school, Joe really enjoyed spending time outdoors. Whether it be hunting, fishing or hanging out with his friends, he loved being outside. But when he was at home he would usually be chopping firewood for his parents or spending time with his nieces and nephews and cousins. Even at a young age, Joseph was always a family man.

In the Fall of 1974 Joe met his high school sweetheart, Kathy Baumann. She was head cheerleader and he was the captain of the basketball team. Upon graduating high school together, the pair started their own family with their first and only son, Rodney Joe. As the years progressed, Joe and Kathy decided to get married. They made it official on April 6, 1984. Both Joe and Kathy wanted to extend their family and had two more children, Stacy Lynn in 1985 and Sarah Marie in 1987.

Joe had his fair share of different jobs throughout his life to provide for his family. He worked as a teacher's aide at Wakpala High school for 2 years. He then went on to pursue other opportunities. He worked on roads and highways, as well as working as a trucker. Dry-walling and sheet-rocking were his main source of income.

In his later years of life, Joe loved spending time with his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. He gave each grandchild their own special nicknames that only he called them by. There was his "Takoja" Rhaecine, "Little Riles Jay" Riley, his "Princess" Kirstin, and the youngest of his grandkids, Joe's little "Strawberry" Kaydence.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Roselyn and Don Sam; and his sister, Geraldine Sam.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Sam; his children, Rodney Sam of Wakpala, SD, Stacy Sam of Wakpala, and Sarah Sam of Aberdeen, SD; his grandchildren, Rhaecine Sam, Riley Sam, Kirstin Howard and Kaydence Serr; his brothers and sisters, Josie Ducheneaux of Aberdeen, Donna Sam of Aberdeen, Carl Sam of Aberdeen, Gerald Sam of Mobridge, SD, and Donovan Sam of Wakpala; as well as many cousins nieces and nephews.