Dr. Sam Roberts Laudeman , D.D.S., age 101 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at his home with his wife at his side.  He was born August 28, 1921 in Salem, Indiana, the son of Walter Arthur and Polly (Roberts) Laudeman.  Sam attended Howe Military Academy in northern Indiana for 3 years and returned to Elwood for his senior year graduating in 1939 from Elwood High School.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army during W.W.II serving bravely as an Army Combat Medic in the European Theater and was involved in the D-Day invasion on Omaha Beach.  For his honorable service, Sam received a Purple Heart, a Silver Star, and a Combat Medic Badge of Honor.  After his military service, Sam attended Indiana University School of Dentistry to become a dentist.  Sam returned to Elwood in 1949 and purchased Dr. Harold's dental practice, and he remained in practice for 38 years in Elwood caring for countless families' dental needs.  Sam retired in 1987 and sold his practice to Dr. Scott Prusinski who remains in the same Elwood office location today.

Sam married Marla A. (Ray) on June 9, 1978, and they shared over 44 years of marriage together.  He was known for being extremely active all his life well into his 90's.  Sam and Marla were longtime members of the First Presbyterian Church in Elwood.  Sam was a member of the Elwood Optimist Club; a life member of the Elwood Elks Lodge #368; a member of Quincy Masonic Lodge #230 where he was a 32 ^nd Degree Mason; a member of the American Dental Association; and honored member of the Emeritus Club at Indiana School of Dentistry where he was recognized annually for the past two years.  In addition, Sam was a founding member of the former Elwood Country Club; was chosen as the Grand Marshall for the Glass Festival Parade; and was fortunate to be selected for the "Honor Flight" to Washington D.C. to visit the W.W.II memorial which was a very special trip.  In his free time, Sam enjoyed reading, writing poetry, oil painting, and traveling with Marla on numerous memorable trips.  Sam was presented the Soaring Dove Award by the St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation where he and Marla were members of the Seton Society for their years of generosity.  He was also an honorary staff member of St. Vincent Mercy Hospital.

More than anything, Sam enjoyed simply spending time with Marla.  A dedicated group of family members and caretakers enabled Sam to remain in his home until the end of his life.  Marla would like to thank Steve & Nancy Fihe, David & Kerry Kane, their grandson, Nicholas Laudeman, Theresa Garman, Fred & Mary Davis, and the Compassus Hospice nurses for the outstanding care they provided to Sam.  Their love and support will never be forgotten.

Sam's family legacy includes his wife, Marla Laudeman of Elwood; son, John Walter (Virginia) Laudeman of Tennessee; step-daughter, Bonnie Noble (Jeff Lasco) of Denver, CO; daughter-in-law, Ann Kahrl-Laudeman of Mt. Vernon, OH; 6 grandchildren, John (Sara) Laudeman, Elizabeth (Kulu) Moyo, Nicholas Laudeman, Chelsea Houser, Allegra Lasco, and Dominic Lasco; 5 great-grandchildren, Emma Moyo, Walter Laudeman, Wyatt Laudeman, Sam Moyo, and Tyler Noel Lasco; and loyal companion, Brody.  Sam was preceded in death by his parents; son, Samuel R. Laudeman, Jr.; sister, Martha (and Dr. Paul) Benedict; and brother-in-law, Bob Ray.

A funeral service celebrating Sam's life will be held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Mae Leech officiating.  Military honors by the U.S. Army and Elwood V.F.W. honor guard will be conducted at the end of the funeral.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 to 3 pm prior to the funeral on Wednesday at Copher-Fesler-May.  Burial will take place at a later date in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Landon Guild, First Presbyterian Church, the Kanine Kountry Klub dog daycare, or the Alzheimer's Association through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.