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Duane E. Samson Obituary – 1/25/2011


Duane Eugene Samson, age 72, of Dassel, died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

He was born June 25, 1938, in Danielson Township, Meeker County, the son of Thomas Edward and Lenora Belle (Blackwell) Samson. Duane grew up in the rural Cosmos area, and attended country school for his education. He was baptized in 1961, at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos.

Duane served in the US National Guard from November of 1959 until December of 1965.

He was united in marriage to Janet Lea Esping March 4, 1961, at the Beckville Lutheran Church in rural Litchfield. The couple made their home in Cosmos from 1961 until 1982, when they moved to Darwin, where they have resided since.

Duane was employed in road construction, working with heavy equipment for 25 years; and he took great pride in the roads that he helped build. He retired in 2004, after 22 years of employment with Meeker County in the highway department.

Duane loved the outdoors, and maintaining his roads for the Cedar Mills district was a source of enjoyment for Duane. After retirement, he wanted to spend time traveling, and he and Janet enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, DC; and many other places.

He loved to fish, when they were biting, and spent time on the dock at Kalin’s cabin on Lake Washington, fishing for bass and sunnies. Duane also enjoyed country music, and was never without a coffee cup in his hand.

A gentle man, Duane loved his family, and the time he was able to spend with family and friends. His greatest treasures were his grandchildren.

He also enjoyed working outside around the house, whether blowing snow, mowing grass, or cutting down trees.

Duane is survived by his wife, Janet Samson of Darwin; children Wade (Janette) Samson of Becker, Lori (Mark) Samson-Rogers of Elko, and Kalin (Nancy) Samson of Buffalo; eight grandchildren, Alexandra Samson, Amber Samson, Amanda Rogers, John Rogers, Thomas Samson, Alyssa Samson, Michael Rogers and Cecelia Samson; siblings Norma La Doux of Carrollton, VA, Judy (Lynn) Lathrom of Blanchard, ID, Jan (Jerry) Demus of Mead, WA, and Charlene (Don) Bryant of Seattle, WA; along with several nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Abigail; and a sister, Carol Samson.

The funeral service took place Saturday, Jan. 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Dassel with the Rev. Keith Carlson officiating. Interment was at the First Lutheran Church in rural Cosmos.

Visitation was Friday, Jan. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel, and continued Saturday, one hour prior to the service at the church.

The Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel handled the arrangements.

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