[highlight_text] [/highlight_text] Samuel “Sam” Wiersma, 74, of Waupun, affectionately known as “The Flying Dutchman”, died Sunday, March 30, 2014 at his home.

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[leftcolumn] Sam was born December 8, 1939 in Long Beach, CA the son of Henry and Adriana Zwartz Wiersma. In 1951 the family moved to Cambria, WI. On March 5, 1958 Sam married Daune Selk at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lost Lake. The couple resided in Beaver Dam until 1974 and then moved to Waupun. Sam drove for various trucking companies and became a successful owner/operator. The past five years, Sam was employed by Smedema Trucking in Fox Lake. Sam has been a board member of the Waupun Truck ‘N Show. In 1992 he was “Driver of the Year”, an award given by Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association. He was also presented with many safe driver awards over the years.

Sam received basic training with the US Army and was a member of the US Army Reserve for eight years. Sam was an active member of Waupun United Methodist Church where he served as usher. Sam was a very avid NASCAR fan.

Sam is survived by his wife, Daune Wiersma of Waupun; their five children: Len (Cynthia) Wiersma of Rockton, IL, Lori (Tom) Hamilton of Madison, Lee (Vicki) Wiersma of Sun Prairie, Larry Wiersma of Madison, and Lance (Marsha)Wiersma of Beaver Dam; 13 grandchildren: Clara and Casey Wiersma, Mitchell and Justin Braddock, Molly Dellaria, Nicholas and Benjamin Wiersma, Jack, Chloe, Sam and Max Wiersma, Cindy Haga and Nick Hamilton; two great-grandchildren, Darcy Braddock and Collin Wiersma; and four more great-grandchildren on the way; three sisters, Elaine (Harold) Dykstra of Black River Falls, Donna (Glen) Smits of Randolph, and Noreen (Gordon) Dahm of Fort Meyers, FL; along with several nieces and nephews.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; a niece, Rhonda Dykstra; and a great-grandson, Francis Michael Dellaria.

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[rightcolumn] [highlight_text] Visitation: [/highlight_text] Friends and relatives of Sam Wiersma may call on the family on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun and on Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

[rightcolumn] [highlight_text] Services: [/highlight_text] Funeral services for Sam Wiersma will be held Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Waupun United Methodist Church with Rev. JD McCarty officiating.

[rightcolumn] [highlight_text] Burial: [/highlight_text] Burial will take place at a later date.

[rightcolumn] [highlight_text] Memorial Contributions: [/highlight_text] The family requests memorials be directed to Waupun United Methodist Church Building Fund or Make A Wish Foundation.

[rightcolumn] [highlight_text] Special Thanks: [/highlight_text] The family thanks Agnesian Cancer Clinic, Hospital, and Hospice for their care.

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