Dr. Samuel James Tuthill

Dr. Samuel James Tuthill of DeWitt, Iowa, died Wednesday evening, August 28, 2019, at the age of 93 at Wheatland Manor.

He was born in San Diego, California, on September 6, 1925, to Nancy (Morgan) and Marvin Tuthill, and was raised in Chatham, New Jersey, by great-aunts, Edith Morgan and Mildred Williams.  A veteran of World War II,Sam served in the United States Army Air Corps. He is a graduate of Drew University, Syracuse University and the University of North Dakota. Sam specialized in the paleoecology of glacial deposits in western North Dakota, Minnesota and south-central Alaska. In addition, he researched the effects of the great Alaskan earthquake of 1964.

Dr. Tuthill taught geology at Muskingum College in Ohio and served as State Geologist and Director of the Iowa Geological Survey from 1969 to 1975. He held several federal posts, including Science Advisor to the Secretary of Interior, Energy Policy Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce, and was appointed to the President’s Energy Resources Council. From 1977 to 1987, Sam held positions at Iowa Electric Light and Power Company in Cedar Rapids.  From 1988 through his retirement in the mid-1990’s, he managed Tuthill, Inc. a geological-hydrological and environmental consulting business at Marengo, Iowa, with his son John.  

In retirement, Sam enjoyed a home on Devil Track Lake in northern Minnesota. He received the Drew University Outstanding Alumnus Award in Science and the University of North Dakota A. G. Leonard Medal in Geology.

Sam and Constance Huntington Howell were married on September 7, 1952, in Boonton, New Jersey. He is survived by Connie, his steadfast helpmate of 67 years; daughter, Susan T. (Jeff) Gimprich of Dumont, New Jersey, and sons, James F. (Evelyn) Tuthill of Laramie, Wyoming, and John H. (Michele) Tuthill  of DeWitt, Iowa; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; his sisters, Mary Youtsey of Winchester, California, and Nancy Petersen of Friday Harbor, Washington.  Sam was preceded in death by his parents, great aunts, and a grandchild.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2019,  at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m.  A service will be held at  11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 7, 2019, at the United Methodist Church, DeWitt with the Rev. Tom Boomershine officiating.  Military Rites and a luncheon will follow.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

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