Samuel R. Cotone, 89, formerly of Eau Claire, died Friday, September 3, 2004, at Oak Gardens in Altoona, with his granddaughter Robin, and dear friends at his side. Sam left this world to join the love of his life, his wife Myrt, who died eleven years ago. \r\nHe was born in Clinton Township near Cumberland, Wisconsin on February 2, 1915, the son of Nicholas "Nick" and Jennie (Giangobbe) Cotone. \r\nHe graduated from Cumberland High School in 1933. Right out of high school, he proudly joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in order to send money home to support his family. Later, he spent several summers in Yellowstone Park and winters in Palm Springs, CA, working as a bellhop. He attended State Teachers College at Kirksville, MO, and later the university in River Falls.\r\nSam moved to Eau Claire in 1941, where he worked 17 years at National Presto and then 17 years at Consumer's Coop until retiring in 1976.\r\nSam married Myrtle J. Trones in Eau Claire on February 12, 1944.\r\nHe was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. Sam was well-known for his expert gardening, love of music and singing, and exceptional cooking and baking skills.\r\nSam is survived by his granddaughter, Robin (Kenny Scholz) Oliver of Winter Springs, FL; son-in-law, Richard Oliver of Jacksonville, FL; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends who are family members by the love they shared.\r\nHis family extends a very special thank you to the staff at Oak Gardens and St. Joseph's Hospice for the kind and loving care they provided for Sam.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle in 1993; his daughter, Deloris; four brothers, Gene, Mike, Jim, and Steve; and five sisters, Ella Pearson, Mary Cotone, Rose Branson, Celia Glowe, and Anna Cotone.\r\nMass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2004, at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Eugene A. Klink officiating. Interment will be in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery, Eau Claire. Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and an hour prior to services Wednesday at the church. A public prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. \r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to The Healing Place, 1010 Oak Ridge Dr., Eau Claire, WI 54701.

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