Birth date: Mar 7, 1949 Death date: Feb 27, 2013
Heather Leigh “Sam” Straka March 7, 1949 – February 27, 2013 Heather “Sam” Straka , 63, died February 27 of a cardiac arrhythmia. Born March 7, 1949 in Evanston, IL, daughter of Kim & Eleanor Johnson. Married to Joe Straka on July Read Obituary
I really remember her laugh… and what a great thing to be remembered for. Peace to Joe and the rest of the family. While we have not seen Sam in a few years, the entire IL forensics community is saddened by this loss.Jeff PrzybyloHarper College
Dear Joe, So sorry to read of Sam's passing. I have fond memories still of working with her at the dental office. Prayers for you and your family. Belinda Gilmore
When I graduated high school I griped about going to Richland while my friends left town for bigger cities and what I thought to be greener pastures. Now, ten years later and even with a degree from one of those ballyhooed four-year, private universities, it's stridently clear that the best of my formative years were spent at Richland Community College. A major reason for that is Sam Straka, our speech team matriarch.We were by no means the best. In fact, I'd argue that the motley crew who shuffled into Joe and Sam's tutelage between the years 2000-2002 were some of the worst, most unpolished, obstinate and unlikely public speakers ever assembled. But in true Sam Straka theatrical style, it played out like so many movies. The rag-tag team somehow comes together under the guidance of an improbable leader to pull off the miraculous victory in the end.I personally didn't win squat, of course. By that I mean I don't have a piece of plastic in a box somewhere with gold flake falling off it. My victory is having known Sam, having known all the others, and having the innumerable, hilarious, wonderful memories.Joe, if you're reading this, I hope you're heartened by Sam's impressive body of work and the lives she's touched.
Sam was one of the finest actors whom I've ever seen on stage, be it amateur orprofessional. She was true to whatever type of character she was portraying, and she played a wide variety of characters. Offstage, she seemed to have a warm and caring soul. I imagine she was a great Speech teacher and coach, given the comments I'veheard about her from my former high school students. It is not that common for someone to be so wonderful both on and off stage. Al Scheider
Hi Joe,I'm not sure where to begin; how ironic that Sam and I both share a love for words, but for all the 400,000 plus in the English language they fail to do justice to how one person touches another life. All the way from "Under Milk Wood" till now you and Sam have been my teachers, my colleagues and I'm proud to say, my friends. I have more fond memories of you and Sam than I could possibly put in this short space. That loud, powerful and wonderfully beautiful laugh of hers is permanently etched in my mind and I hope I can "Pay forward" some of the kindness she gave to me.Sincerely,Kevin Kelley
Joe,David and I were shocked when my sister called from Decatur with the news. So many years have passed and so many memories of the two of you. We wanted to be a couple just like you when we married 40+ yrs. ago. So sorry for your loss and sorry for the years we've let slip by. You are in our prayers.It is not surprising to read the many tributes from students and theatre folks. She has enriched many lives.Tricia and David FileMt. Pleasant, IA
My heart breaks for Joe as well as for Sam's family at this sudden loss. Sam was truly a fun, warm and good person in every way. She was just the kind of friend who, once you knew her, you never forgot her — regardless of the time and distance that might separate you. She was kind and generous and quite simply, someone everyone enjoyed being around. I'm so sorry she died so suddenly — and far too soon.My involvement with Sam (and Joe) was through Theatre 7 and no matter how much time passes since we moved away, I'll never forget the times we shared … I'm so grateful I have video of the last production we were involved with together. Lene Watson
Lit a candle in memory of Heather Straka
My sincere condolences to Joe, and to everyone else in Samâ??s family. There is no doubt that my life (like the lives of so many) was made richer for having known Sam. Not only was she my speech coach, but she even directed me in a Theatre 7 production. She will be missed, and most importantly, remembered. Chris FergusonRichland CC Forensics, 91-92
I remember so much of my young years as a member of Theatre 7 being involved with Sam – her description of her "Oh sh_t" moments when seeing some amazing moment of live theatre…. her "little big-mouthed frog" joke, which I still tell to this day… and her warm, truly open personality and that laugh, which just couldn't be left alone – we all had to join in on the laughter. My heart hurts to hear this sad news, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Joe and all who knew and loved her. I am so glad to have known you, and I am happy to have shared in the blessings of being a part – however small – of the laughter and joy you brought to so many with your fire, your passion, and your joy.CJ Landram
