Darwin Sampson

Darwin Sampson, age 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep
on March 24, 2015 at Hospice Home of Hope. His last weeks were filled with many
comedic moments, laughs and memories we will treasure. He was content and at
peace with his choice, albeit a bit irritated it was taking so long to get the
show on the road. Your sense of humor and your acceptance of the end made it
just a little bit easier for us. You did it your way all along, and now you are
free.

He was born to Richard and Lorraine (Polzean) Sampson on
June 8th, 1936. He was from a large family, two boys and eight
girls. He took pride in his Brotherton Native American heritage and went to the
picnics and gatherings as often as he could. He understood well the meaning of
family and the importance of remembering those before us.

 A 21-year Air Force
Veteran, he retired with a rank of Master Sergeant, E-7. He was proud of his time
in the service. While in the military, he married his first wife, Betty. They
had five children; Pamela, Scott, Tim, Mitchell, and Marty. His second marriage
to Bonnie, gave him two more; Darwin and Kelly Jo.  Of the grandchildren, he had a special bond
with Zoe, and it was apparent he was smitten with her from the moment she was
born.

His interests were many. He was an avid sports fan and had a
special place in his heart for the Packers, Brewers, Cubs, Badgers, and the
Crimson Tide. He enjoyed bowling and was great at it. Bowling was more than
just a sport to him. Camaraderie, shenanigans and beer went hand in hand with
bowling for him. It gave him so much joy to share those experiences with his
family over the years. He loved playing cards and many a night was spent around
a kitchen table playing cribbage or sheepshead.

Darwin was a kind, ridiculously funny, quick-witted man of
few words. Those who knew and loved him would use one of his many nicknames; “Sunny”,
“Bucky”, “Sam“, and of course to us kids, he preferred “Dadzo.” Though his
words were few, he didn’t have to tell you he loved you because he showed it.
He did not judge, he allowed us to make our own mistakes, and taught us along
the way that it was just part of being human. They do not define you, you
mustn’t let them change you, and when times are tough, humor is imperative to
your well-being.

He is survived by his children, Scott, Timmy (Beth),
Mitchell, and Marty (Ginger) Sampson, Darwin (Dana Pellebon) and Kelly Jo Sampson,
many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Three sisters, Jeannie Brigham,
Susie (Larry) Caird, Carol (Gerald) Huck and his nieces and nephews. Ken
Parish, one of his best friends, his former wives Betty Horton and Bonnie
Parish, and Eve Schoenleber, he loved you like his own. He also will be missed
by his cat, Peaches, and his dog, Dobie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Pamela
Kay, his brother Richard, sisters, Bev Essmann, Eola Resop, Judy Sippel, Nancy
Rymer, and Shirley Krenn.

Visitation:
Family will welcome relatives and friends on Tuesday, March 31 at 10:00 to 10:45
AM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 East Division St, Fond du Lac.

Services: A
memorial service at 11:00 AM, with full military honors, will be held on
Tuesday at the funeral home following the visitation. 

The family would like
to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Hospice Home of Hope for the
exceptional care Darwin and the family received. His last weeks were good ones,
he was truly relaxed and happy to be there.

 

Zacherl Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.
www.zacherlfuneralhome.com