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Albert Samuelson

December 18, 1949 ~ March 15, 2026

Born in: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Resided in: Fargo, North Dakota

Albert’s memorial service will be livestreamed and viewable below on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2:00PM.

Albert Leroy Samuelson passed away under the care of Bethany Retirement Living, HIA Hospice staff, and in the arms of his loving wife and care giver, Susan after 25 years of Parkinsons disease on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Albert was born on December 18, 1949, in Detroit Lakes, MN to parents, Albert and Gladys (Oftelie) Samuelson. He was baptized and confirmed at Houglum Lutheran Church in Lake Park, MN. He attended Lake Park High School and graduated in 1967. He attended Detroit Lakes AVTI and graduated in 1973. He then went on to have a successful 34-year career in manufacturing management.

He served in the United States Air Force from July of 1968 to June of 1972. He spent one year in Taiwan and sent home many gifts to his sisters and niece.

He married the love of his life, Susan Salminen, on June 8, 1974, at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN. They met at a card party while attending tech school, and they became best friends forever. They enjoyed 51 wonderful years of traveling and enjoying all the good things in life.
Together they made a beautiful life, starting in Fargo and making their way to the Twin Cities in 1979. They made countless memories at their little cabin on Mille Lacs Lake before rebuilding their dream retirement home they enjoyed for thirteen years and later returning to Fargo in 2023. At every stop along the way dear and lasting relationships were made and never forgotten.

Albert was member of Bethesda Lutheran Church of Malmo in Malmo, MN.

Albert was known by four names, “Al,” “Sam,” “Jr,” and “Grampa.” Albert passion in life was foremost his wife and family and then hunting and fishing. He harvested two Royal Elk, many deer, duck, pheasant, and geese. Sitting in a boat relaxing on the water catching and almost always releasing but kept what was legal. He was a loyal and loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend. Although Sam and Sue did not have children of their own, they opened their hearts and home to their niece at 15, creating a lasting bond. Above all else, he was the “rock” of his family, an inspiration to his nieces and nephews, and a true friend to all.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Susan; sister, LaVaun (Greg) Sahlberg; brothers in law, Danny Erickson, Mike Salminen, and Brad Kangas; sister in law, Terry Salminen; nine nieces and nephews; 10 great nieces and nephews; five great great nieces and nephews; two great great great nephews; three “chosen grandchildren”; one special great nephew, Kaiden, who shared a birthday with Uncle Sam; and best friend, Bradley Lindstrom.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Gladys; sisters, Hjordis, Joanne, and Carol; parents in law, Don and Ann; and brothers in law, Jr Grani, Ron Kangas, and Steven Salminen.

In lieu of flowers, Albert’s family has asked for donations to be made to HIA Hospice, Bethesda WELCA or music fund, and Houglum Cemetery Fund.
The family would like to thank Bethany for the outstanding care they provided for Sam and for HIA Hospice for the comfort. God Bless Them.

Services

Visitation: Saturday, March 21, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com

Memorial: Saturday, March 21, 2026 2:00 pm

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com

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  1. I am so sorry for your loss. The little time I knew him he was one of the best. He will be missed but now there’s no more pain. Love you Sue

  2. One special memory I have of Junior was when he was about 4 years old. At a Christmas program at our local Country School District 17,Junior memorized a poem that he recited. (I think, quite likely, that his older sister, JoAnne, wrote the poem for him.) He recited it as follows:
    Fishy Fishy in the brook.
    Daddy caught him on a hook.
    Mama fried him in a Pan.
    And Juno ate him like a Man!
    I still recall all the applause he got after he got after finishing his recitation!

    • Bernie, Thank you so much for the sweet post. It filled my heart.
      Lolly

    • Bernie, your message made my broken heart sing🎶🎶. And as he grew older one of his loves was fishing. He caught, cleaned, I fried and we ate. God Bless you for keeping that memory of him.

  3. Dave & Carol Kronbeck says:

    We are so sorry Sue for the loss of Sam. Such a nice guy. Prayers…

  4. Sue, I am sorry for the loss of your dear Sam! I have so admired your love and devotion for him as his health failed! You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead. Remember I am only a call away any time you need to talk! Any time!!!

  5. There are so many special and extraordinary memories I could share from being 5 years old and the flower girl in their wedding and scared to sit on his lap for he was a big giant to me then to now almost 53 years later. The things that stand out the most about our Sam was his love for and the life he shared with Susan, his one true love, and the “unconditional” love he gave to me and all of his family. I was honored and blessed that he was able to make the trip to Oklahoma in October 2024 to see me marry my true love. Our hearts are breaking and he will be missed immensely. Till we meet again dear Sam.

    Love Always,
    Lori Lynn and Brian

  6. Oh my dear cousin Jr.! My heart and deepest Condolences is with you Sue, Lavon, dear family, and friends! Jr., left a special connection in 1974 when he and uncles came to visit Mom in California. Though I lived in Marin County, he came to see me too!
    Then for Mom’s 90th Birthday!! You and Sue came!!! So loving to Mom, she loved you dearly!
    We hurt for your absence Jr., yet are thankful to know you aren’t suffering any longer! Until that brighter day…know how very loved you are!!❤️

  7. Dear Susan, you will hear, “I’m sorry for your loss.” But remember, Sam will never die or be lost, because he will live on in your heart and our hearts forever.

  8. Sue, deepest Condolences for the loss of your Sam.

  9. Hi Sue, I am so glad I was able to work with Sam delightful person. Send you many prayers

  10. Sending lots of love and hugs to you Sue, and to Sam’s entire family. You both were so supportive and present always! My parents cherish their friendship and memories with you- Sam is missed and remembered well.

  11. Susan,

    Continued prayers and thoughts to you and your family. I loved all the pictures on the slide show thanks for sharing it here for all of us to see. I am busy Saturday with my son’s musical others I would have loved to come. Thank you for letting us all at HIA Hospice be part of his final days❤️. Lots of love.
    April Olson HIA Hospice Nurse

  12. I’m Soo sorry for your loss Sue, Hug’s

  13. So sorry to read of Sam’s passing. May you find comfort in those that surround you with love and find peace in his memories. You both were so great together. Sending you love and hugs my friend.

  14. Tammi Klug and Dalton Kangas says:

    Sue, sorry that we could not be there with you today. Just know, your in our prayers. So many memories, you will be missed dearly, Sam.(RIP)
    Love you
    Tammi and Dalton

  15. Dear neighbor and good friend growing up. Definitely had good times in the neighborhood,you’re going to missed, my condolences to your family. RIP my friend.🙏

  16. So sorry for the loss of your beloved Sam.Ii still have your wedding family picture. I consider you family. So sorry I couldn’t attend the service. However watched it, and was lovely service. Love you Sue and I know you will be the helpful person you have always been. I walked you to school your first day and you were dressed like a doll. God Bless.

  17. Hi Susan, we just heard about Sam’s passing. We’re sorry to hear of this and sending our prayers to you for strength and comfort… blessings from Leroy and Ellen Bergman from lake park…


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