Sam F Weller was born in Sioux City IA in December, 1901, to Charles and Sara (Ball) Weller. He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1919 and went on to play college football for Dakota Wesleyan University in 1921 and 1922.
Sam married Edna Braase in 1927 in Glendale CA and moved back to Mitchell where they made their home and raised two children, Corinne and Richard. He joined the family business originally begun by his grandfather, Frank Weller, and continued by his father.
The Weller Land Company was organized in Mitchell, SD in 1890 as a farming operation, and was later renamed The Weller Company when it added an insurance agency to its business purpose. Sam continued the pioneering spirit of his predecessors as shown in this newspaper article from August 24, 1931.
Sam was actively and passionately involved in the Mitchell community including service with the Masonic Lodge, the Mitchell Shriners, the Elks Club, the Lions Club and was an artifact contributor and volunteer greeter for the FMB Discovery Museum. He was an avid sportsman and was a life member of the Mitchell Sportsman’s Club, Ducks Unlimited and Quarterback Club. He also served on the board of directors of Mitchell Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce. He and Edna were active members of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church where he served as senior warden of the church vestry.
Sam passed away in March, 1978, and his wife Edna (born October 3, 1901) passed in February, 2008 at the age of 106.