Samuel Rikhus, age 88, of Ulen, Minnesota, died Wednesday, October 06, 2010, in the Viking Manor Nursing Home, Ulen.

Samuel G. Rikhus was born Feb. 15, 1922, at Ulen, Minnesota, the son of Norman and Mildred (Jadrny) Rikhus. He was raised on a farm near Hitterdal, Minnesota. Sam confirmed his faith in Hitterdal and also graduated from high school there. His family moved to a farm Northeast of Ulen and as a young man Sam farmed with his father. After his father's death in 1947, took over the farm which he operated until 1980. On June 5, 1965, he was united in marriage to Lila Andersen Burtness. They made their home on the Rikhus farm until moving into Ulen in 1980. For several years he helped on the farm after moving into town, but also was a school bus driver for Ulen-Hitterdal for 16 years, retiring in 1998.

Sam loved sports of any kind, whether playing baseball or basketball or watching it on television. He coached Little League ball and was an umpire. Sam was an avid bowler, loved reading, especially westerns and doing crossword puzzles. He was also active in the community where he served on the Walworth township board for years as the secretary. Sam was an active member of the Ulen Lions where he was a lifetime member. In 2001 Sam was chosen The Outstanding Senior Citizen of Clay County. He was also active in his church and served on the church council, as a deacon and a trustee.

Sam is survived by his wife, Lila of Ulen, MN; son, John (Donna Murray) of Ulen, MN; brother, Raymond Rikhus of Babbitt, MN; sisters, Norma Lunde and Kay (Don) Johnson all of Flom, MN and two grandchildren, Sarah and Stephanie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Joseph and a sister, Lois.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen. Visitation will be Sunday, October 10 from 5PM until 7PM with a Prayer Service at 7PM in the church. Visitation will also be one hour before services at the church on Monday. Pastor Steve Dahl will officiate with music being provided by Carol Lockhart, Susan Green, Ron Evans and Steve Lunde. His pallbearers are Gary Lunde, David Lunde, Randy Johnson, Rich Johnson, David Rikhus, Jonn Rikhus, Joe Rikhus Jr. and A.J. Andersen. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Ulen Lions Club. Burial will be in the North Bethlehem Cemetery.