Richard Sampson

Services for Richard Sampson, 77, of Groton will be 1:00pm, Monday, April 21st at Falnes Lutheran Church, rural Langford. Rev. Charlie Bunk will officiate. Burial will follow in Falnes Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton. www.paetznick-garness.com

Visitation will be held at the funeral chapel from 4-8pm on Sunday and will continue prior to services at the church on Monday.

Richard passed away Thursday, April 17, 2008 in Aberdeen.

Richard Eldon Sampson was born on January 6, 1931 in Day County to Leonard & Myrtle (Likness) Sampson. He grew up east of Pierpont, attending country school and Pierpont High School. Richard enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Korean War from 1952-1956. Following his discharge, he returned home to farm and raise livestock. On March 13, 1959, he married Arleen Reed and the couple made their home in rural Pierpont. They moved to Canby, Minnesota where Richard began working for Curtis Candy Company as an artificial insemination breeder. Richard was later employed with Minnesota Valley Breeders, located in Blue Earth, Minnesota. In 1971, they returned to Pierpont where Richard farmed and worked horses in roping, training and breeding. He also worked as a ferrier during this time.

All his life Richard was an avid horseman, having several accomplishments in showing and training horses. He was a judge in 4-H and Quarter Horse Association shows, and had taught several people to Rope & Rein. He was also instrumental in teaching young 4-H members how to judge and show horses. Some of his other favorite pastimes were playing cards, Yahtzee, putting puzzles together and watching old western's on television.

Survivors include his wife, Arleen of Groton, four daughters; Becky (Don) Grey of Aberdeen, Debbie Sampson of Groton, Wendy Sampson and Bryan Kiers of Aberdeen, Penny Sampson and Shane Blumhardt of Bath, eleven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, two sisters; Marion (Larry) Shannon of Genesco, Illinois, Jeanne (Dale) Huber of Sioux Falls.

Preceding him in death were his parents, one infant sister, Elaine and an infant granddaughter, Sarah.

Honorary Casketbearers will be his granddaughters; Kemari Blumhardt, Sammi Jo Simpson, Mikeala Blumhardt, Nicole Westergreen and all of his cowboy friends.

Casketbearers will be his grandsons; Luke Ronshaugen, Jesse Simpson, Nathan Severson, Nolan Severson, Taber Simpson, Connor Blumhardt and Nick Severson.