Donald C. Sampson, 96, of Mason City, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 17, at Open Bible Church, 509 S. 17th St, Clear Lake, with Rev. Adam Henaman officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 16, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City, and continue one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Donald C. was born Jan. 20, 1928, in Buffalo Center, the son of Sam and Bertha (Engedal) Sampson. Following his parents’ deaths, from a young age Donald and his siblings were raised by their oldest brothers. They learned how to work hard on their Depression Era farm and utilize the resources available. Donald entered the United States Army, one of five brothers in his family to do so. The army taught him discipline, order, and many other skills he carried through life. Following his honorable discharge Donald returned home to work as an electrician for Northwestern States Portland Cement Company in Mason City for over 30 years.
On Sept. 16, 1950, he married the love of his life, Arlene Merle Harless, who he admired until passing. The couple was blessed with five children, Mark, Renee, Craig, Paul, and Michele.
Donald was a true “Mr. Fix It.” Scouring for parts and pieces around the house and taking care of the repairs himself brought great pride. He could build anything he set his mind to, including the addition to the family home with the help of the kids. Donald’s frugal character was easily outweighed by his generous heart and though he presented a stoic and quiet demeanor, he loved his family and grandchildren dearly and would do anything for them.
Donald and Arlene were longtime members of the Open Bible Church of Clear Lake, and found peace knowing they were saved Christians. Together they enjoyed traveling while working on family genealogy including organizing and attending many family reunions.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Mark (Carla) Sampson, Glendale, Calif., Renee (Michael) Arens, Mason City, Craig (Marcia) Sampson, Mason City, Paul (Arlene) Sampson, Alleman, and Michele Sampson, Mason City; grandchildren, Nicole (Kathy) Jacobs, Kasi (Shane) Godbold, Sarah-Jo (Matt) Scaparotti, Tyler Sampson, Sam Sampson, Anna (Frank III) Williams, John-Paul Arens, Nicholas (Andrea Flores) Arens, Jennifer (Curt) Stoltenberg, Russell (Amber) Sampson, Joe Latham and Katie (Tim) Latham-Sprague; great-grandchildren, Isaiah (ShyAnne), Ty, Dylan, Carly, Jayden, Selah, Barrett, Violet, Maxwell, Beckett, Andrei, Roen, Colin, Cora, and Jack; great-great grandchildren; as well as numerous extended family members and treasured friends.
Greeting him in Heaven are his wife, Arlene; parents; and his nine siblings, Peter, Alma, Sigwald, Ivan, Lloyd, Tillman, Norman, Starlene, and Betty.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, is in charge of arrangements.
