October 16, 2023 – Dodge Co, WI – Donald E. Sampson “Don”, 97, of South Byron was called home to be with the Lord on October 14, 2023, at Prairie Ridge in Mayville, WI, surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born on September 5, 1926, in the Town of Byron the son of Guy and Loretta (Franke) Sampson. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brownsville. Don was confirmed and graduated at St. Paul’s School in 1940. He served in various capacities in the Church.
Don graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac in 1944. On March 3, 1945, he was drafted into the US Army and served in the Philippines.
On May 23, 1949, Don married Therese Berg of Ashford, WI, at Immanuel Trinity Lutheran in Fond du Lac. They resided their entire lives on the Sampson homestead farm in South Byron where they raised six children. Don and Therese celebrated 53 years of marriage before Therese passed away in 2002.
Don operated the family dairy farm for many years before moving into his role with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. He retired in 1987 as Executive Director of Washington County.
On November 1, 2003 he married Ferne Spielvogel of Fairwater. They resided on the Sampson homestead farm until 2019 when they relocated to Prairie Ridge in Mayville. They were married 19 years before Ferne’s passing.
Don was a member of Lomira American Legion Post #347, Lomira Lions Club, and Toastmasters, and was the self-proclaimed Mayor of South Byron. “Let ‘er whistle boys!”
Don enjoyed farming, fishing, horseshoes, and bowling. He loved music and was a self-taught accordion player who led a dance band over a twenty-five-year period of time. During his retirement, he played piano at many area nursing homes.
Don was proud to participate in the Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2009.
Those Don leaves behind to cherish his memory include five children, Dennis “Cotty” (Martha) Sampson, Dale Sampson, Kay (Barry) Rubin, Dean (Cindy) Sampson, and Mary (Mark) Laudolff; 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by sister-in-law, Marion Zuehlke; nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Therese Sampson (2002); second wife, Ferne Sampson (2023); son, Douglas “Smokey” Sampson; granddaughter, Becky; siblings, Arlin (Eunice) Sampson and Rosie (Rolly) Rusch; and brother-in-law, Andy Zuehlke.
VISITATION: Don’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (605 Highland Ave. – Brownsville, WI 53006).
SERVICE: A Funeral Service in remembrance of Don will take place on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran with Rev. Bill Carter officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery in Brownsville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Don’s name can be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brownsville or Old Glory Honor Flight (Appleton).
The family would like to thank the staff at Prairie Ridge and Generations Hospice for their care and compassion.
