Leland (Lee) Samson, age 79, of Fargo, ND, passed August 2, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Lee was born July 25, 1943, in McVille, ND to Arnold and Amy (Steinmann) Samson. He and his parents moved to Valley City in 1956. He graduated from Valley City High School in 1961. One of the highlights of his high school days was being a member of the 1960 Hi-Liner State Championship Basketball Team. He was a member of the Army National Guard and completed his basic training after graduating from high school.
On September 28, 1963 he married Carolyn Eggert, his high school sweetheart, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley City. They raised three children: Lori, Michael, and Justin.
Lee earned his degree as a Registered X-Ray Technician, was Editor of Scattered Radiation, and worked in the medical field in Ellendale, ND until he left it to follow his dream of raising, training, and showing AQHA Registered Quarter Horses. He also judged 4-H Horse Shows. In 1982 Lee started working with Bob Ingstad training and showing Paint Horses.
In 1983 the family moved to Valley City, ND where Lee continued working for Bob Ingstad until he started working in Sales and Marketing. While in Valley City, he loved playing racquetball and golfing with his family and friends. Lee was a man of faith, loved listening to Christian music, and looked forward to his Men’s Bible Study groups throughout the years.
In 2012, Lee and Carolyn moved to Fargo, ND. His last job was as a part-time Greeter at Home Depot. A job he genuinely loved. He enjoyed working with the Home Depot employees, helping the customers, and reconnecting with many old friends.
Most of all, Lee loved his family and loved the time he spent with his grandchildren. Especially, cheering his grandchildren on at their sporting events. He was also an avid football fan. His favorite NFL team was the Dallas Cowboys. Lee and Carolyn also loved playing cards and at many family gatherings you would find them playing Pinochle.
Lee is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, three children and four grandchildren; daughter, Lori (Jim) Fillipi, grandsons, Chase and Aiden Fillipi, Bemidji, MN; son, Michael, (Joleen) Samson, grandson, Zackary and granddaughter, Jasmine Samson, Shakopee, MN; and, son, Justin Samson, West Fargo, ND. Three sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law also survive him, Judy (Dick) Grenz, Colleen “Bea” (Gary) Tait, Allan (Jan) Eggert, Patricia (Mike) Conway, James (Marie) Eggert along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Lee is preceded in death by his parents Amy and Arnold Samson, his stepfather Albert Erdman, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Irvin and Mabel Eggert, his brother-in law and sister-in-law, Gale “Buzz” and Margie Eggert.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 am, Tuesday, August 23, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Valley City. Visitation will be 6-7 pm, Monday, August 22, at the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in Memory Gardens. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at the Pavilion in Chautauqua Park following the service.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel. An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com