Garfield Sampson

garfield sampson

Garfield Sampson, 94, of Fargo, passed away August 4th, 2013 at Fargo VA Hospital. He was surrounded by several generations of family at the time of his death.

Garfield was born in Finley, ND, to Lewis and Anna Sampson. He attended Finley High School and worked on the family farm until leaving for NDSU, where he completed one year before being drafted into the US Air Force in 1941. Immediately after earning his Wings from flight school in Douglas, Georgia, 2nd Lt. Sampson of SQD “D” 43E married Muriel Wien on May 28, 1943. During his time in service, he flew the P-38, P-39, B-25 and the P-51, and it was on a test flight of the P-38 that an engine malfunction resulted in the plane crashing. Garfield suffered spinal injuries which left him with permanent disabilities, and as a result, he spent much of his life in a wheelchair. Despite theseinjuries, his strength, tenacity, and positive attitude allowed him to live life to the fullest and he became an inspiration to his family and all who knew him.

He and Muriel settled in Wahpeton, ND, where they raised their 3 children, who were blessed to have him in the role as the “original Stay-at-Home-Father”! He served as deacon, trustee, financial secretary and Sunday school teacher at Bethel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton, and was a member of the American Legion and Disabled Veterans (DAV). In his spare time, his hobbies included needle- and wood- working, and he loved spending time at the cabin on Ottertail Lake in Minnesota. For over the last 20 years, he called Evergreens of Fargo “home”, and spent his time playing cribbage, reading, and visiting with friends and family during outings to Applebee’s where he enjoyed the occasional beer or scotch.

Garfield is survived by his wife, Muriel of Fargo; Sister, Betty Sampson of Fargo; children: Kathryn Wozney (Richard) of Winnipeg, MB, Jerome Sampson (Evie) of Fargo, and Steve Sampson (Julie) of Detroit Lakes, MN.; grandchildren: Bill Wozney (Meagan) of Winnipeg, MB, Kendra Fowler (Richard) of Portland, OR, Jennifer Susag (Duncan) of Tacoma, WA, Jamie Pederson (Scott) of Fargo, ND, John Sampson of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, Jessica Sampson of Fargo, ND., Bianca and Mason Sampson of Detroit Lakes, MN; and great grandchildren: John, Sarah & Carter Wozney of Winnipeg, MB; Katherine Bocti of Portland, OR, Madelyn and Maiya Pederson of Fargo, ND; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by 7 brothers: Robert Sampson, Nels Sampson, Ole Sampson, Melvin Sampson, Peder Sampson, and Arthur Sampson, and 5 sisters: Lena Sampson, Clara Bakke, Stella Madson, Anna Gammalgard, and Josie Berg.

The family wishes to thank the staff in the ICU and Community Living Center (CLC) at the VA Medical Center for their attentiveness and compassionate care of Garfield over the last few months. At Garfieldʼs request, please make all memorials to The Hoarding Project, a non-profit organization established by his granddaughter, Jennifer Sampson, Ph.D. (621 Pacific Avenue, Suite 300, Tacoma, Washington 98402; www.thehoardingproject.org/donate), or on behalf of his wife, Muriel, Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota, 7900 West 78th Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55439.

Please visit the following link to look at some photo memories of our beloved Garfield: https://garfieldsampsonmemoryscrapbook.shutterfly.com/

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  1. Harwood ND
    I got to know Gar when I delivered books to him from the Outreach Program of the Fargo Public Library. Gar loved to read and checked out a big stack of books, always happy to get the newest bestseller suspense novel. Even after his eyesight failed and he could no longer read, we remained friends. Gar talked fondly of his family and was so proud of all of their accomplishments. I will miss seeing Gar and will cherish all the memories of our years of friendship.

  2. Fargo ND
    We first met “Gar” when we took our dog for walks many years ago. Over the years we periodically visited with him in the Evergreens parking lot when we walked to Applebee’s or Ground Round along with family members including our grandchildren. He was always friendly and an interesting person to visit with. We will miss him. May many good memories give you, the family, comfort in the days ahead.

  3. Fargo ND
    My deepest sympathy to all of Gar’s family. He was the sweetest man and so very interesting to visit with. My Mom, Ella, was a resident at the Evergreens with Gar. Gar treated Ella and all the residents with the greatest respect. I admired his life attitude. He shared so many stories with my sisters and I when we were visiting in the evenings. He was eager with anticipation for those hot summer days! I’m so sorry for your loss and hope your wonderful memories sustain you at this difficult time.
    Kind regards,
    Marlene Mix

  4. Wahpeton Gar was a great guy! I grew up in the neighborhood in Wahpeton, where both of our families lived for many years. He was also one of my Sunday School instructors…and he was an excellent teacher. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

  5. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. May the wonderful memories and fun stories that you share help to heal your hurting hearts over time. Sincerely, Dawn

  6. My sincere sympathy to the Sampson family. What an honor to have met and cared for Gar over the years. He always had a smile and I don’t think I ever heard him complain. A gentle, great man, he will be missed.

  7. Pelican rapids MN
    I can just picture Garfield running through the fields of heaven with his big old smile. He was such a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as he smiles down on you. He will truly be an angel by your side. Love you all
    Peg and Merle Brian and Mark

  8. North Las Vegas NVMy thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Jerry Sampson and family. I remember your dad well from my time and the Dakota Clinic. He was a sweet man, even with all the pain he delt with.

    A friend from another time.

    Elinor Jensen


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