Samuel TOTTEN

24 NOV 1948 - 14 FEB 2018

• BIRTH: 24 NOV 1948, Indiana
• DEATH: 14 FEB 2018, Indianapolis, Marion, IN

• MARRIAGE: 26 JUL 1975, St Hedwig, South Bend, IN

INDEX

[N3306] Samuel L. Totten
Nov. 24, 1948 - Feb. 14, 2018
LA PORTE - Samuel “Sam” L. Totten, 69, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 in Indianapolis. On July 26, 1975, Sam married the love of his life, Charlotte Michalski, in a ceremony held at St. Hedwig Church, South Bend, Indiana. She survives along with beloved and cherished daughter, Samantha (Jeremy) Miller of South Bend, and “Gramp's Little Lady”, granddaughter, Addison Miller. Also surviving are his siblings, Charles Totten of Leavenworth, IN, Arlene Napper of Niles, MI, Kenneth (Janie) Totten of Macon, GA, and Pamela Sibal of South Bend; brother-in-law, Mitchell (Lorissa) Michalski of South Bend; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Sam in death are his parents, Paul and Rose Totten; sister, Anna Eileen Totten; sister-in-law, Kyong Totten; and brother-in-law, Dr. Karl Napper. Sam graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1967. He attended Purdue University North Central in the 1990's. However, it was not until 2014 that Sam earned his Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from Calumet College of Saint Joseph. That was quite an accomplishment, because he was in his 60's and working full time. He had the distinction of being co-valedictorian for the class. In Sam's own words, “So, why is it important to me to earn a college degree when most people would be applying for Social Security benefits? Education is a life-long process, ongoing, and like a play that never ends. One should always strive to keep learning no matter what the stage might be; even if, there are times when you might not like the stage, you must go through with the act.” Sam spent 47 years in the steel industry. His career began in 1969 as a Motor Inspector with Bethlehem Steel Corporation Burns Harbor Division. He progressed to Electrical General foreman in 1990, General Maintenance supervisor in 1997, and Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance in 2002. When Bethlehem Steel was purchased by International Steel Group (ISG), Sam retained his position. Sam became Manager of Maintenance Hot Rolling Division in 2005 when Arcelor Mittal USA merged with Mittal Steel USA. Sam retired in April 2016. His life was enriched by the many colleagues he worked with and the products they were able to produce. Sam had a passion for golf. He enjoyed playing and watching his favorite players on TV. During retirement, he and his best friend since grade school, Everett (JR) Grimmer, Jr. would plan a weekly round or two. Those times were extra special for Sam. Sam's other passion was his love for Notre Dame Football. So many memories were created attending home games, tailgates, and cheering on the Fighting Irish with family and his “best ND brother”, Bill “Wiz” Wisniewski. Quite the pair, “The Wiz” and “Yosemite Sam”. Add Joe” DeLo” DeLaurentis to the mix, and they were the ultimate Fighting Irish trio. Sam was super handy around the house and yard. If Sam could not fix it, you might as well throw it away! He was especially happy to finally have a building in which to work on projects. One project was making 16 hurdles for the children of a local school. He made them in increments in height so that even the youngest of the children could achieve the jump. He was blessed to have a wonderful friend and neighbor, John Starr, who worked on projects with Sam. John was responsible for wiring Sam's building. Sam sure liked the times he and John could work on a project together or just sit back and enjoy a good conversation. Sam enjoyed visits from his nieces and nephews. Matthew Michalski helped Uncle Sam this summer, and Tom (Joy) Totten, Pauline (Jeff) Breedlove, and Alex Totten visited. Lisa (Paul) Panozzo kept the get well wishes coming via texts and phone calls. Family trips were also a highlight and a must for Sam. Sam and Charlotte would travel to Mackinac Island in the fall to participate in the Murder Mystery weekend held at Grand Hotel. Sam and Charlotte enjoyed traveling to Florida with Samantha, Jeremy, and Addison. The trip all of them took in 2016 to Hawaii was an incredible adventure. Most of all, Sam was a role model as a husband, father, and grandfather. There were never harsh words. A talking to was always a “life lesson.” He loved being with his family. Samantha was always “Daddy's Little Girl”, even when she married. Sam wanted to teach Addison many of the things he learned from his parents. One such activity was shucking corn to prepare a corn dish for freezing. Gramps and Addie shucked 6 dozen one day! Even though his body was in terrible pain toward the end, he never lost his faith in God. He prayed daily. Sam was honored to be a past Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus Michigan City Council.

From Char: How do you say goodbye to the man you love so deeply, who was such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and best friend? How do you say goodbye to a man who guided and encouraged many people in his life? How do you say goodbye to a man who worked so very hard to provide a safe and loving home? The answer is, you do not. You kiss that one last time and whisper “I love you, my honey. Hug Mom, Dad, and all our family and friends when you get to heaven. Save a place for the rest of us. “. Visitation for Sam will be held 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday, February 19, 2018 in St. Joseph Funeral Home, with a Rosary to be prayed at 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 in Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Pet Refuge, Inc., 4626 Burnett, South Bend, Indiana 46614; La Porte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 IN2, La Porte, Indiana 46350; or Holy Family School, 56405 Mayflower Rd., South Bend, Indiana 46619. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net. Published in South Bend Tribune on Feb. 18, 2018