Irvin “Irv” Leroy Samp, 92, of Shawano, passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, at Shawano Medical Center, where he had been a patient for one week.
Irvin was born on Oct. 12, 1922, in the town of Waukechon, Shawano County, a son of the late John Theodore and Ivy Mae (Healy) Samp. He was united in marriage to Bernice (Berkhahn) on May 26, 1945, and the couple resided in Shawano. Irvin joined the Army in October 1945 and served in World War II with the field artillery in Germany. He was discharged in March 1947. Upon returning from the service, Irvin was employed at the Shawano Paper Mill for 38 years, retiring in October 1985. He was a member of Peace United Church of Christ, Shawano.
Irv enjoyed hunting, ice fishing, bowling, woodworking, gardening, canning, making maple syrup, watching the Packers and the Brewers, spending time with his family, and spending time on his land on the Red River with his dog.
Irvin is survived by three daughters, Marlene (Stephen) Brath, of Shawano, Shelby (Patrick) Neitzel, of Neenah, Christine (John) Holtz of Shawano; one son, Dan (Wally Gay) Samp, of Port Charlotte, Florida; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; one brother, John “Jack” (Dorothy) Koeller, of Las Vegas; one brother-in-law, John “Butch” (Kathy) Berkhahn, of New London; one sister-in-law, Delores Roocks, of Appleton; many nieces and nephews; and his very special friend, Snarf, his dog.
Irv was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, on March 2, 1972; his parents; three brothers, Oliver, Earl and Leo; three sisters, Iva, Evangeline and Gladys; and special friend, Elaine Wallace.
Funeral services for Irvin Samp will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Peace United Church of Christ. Pastor Marty Black will officiate. Private family interment will take place with military honors at Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call at Peace United Church of Christ, Shawano, on Tuesday from 9:30-11 a.m.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the Shawano Medical Center Staff and SMC Hospice for their wonderful care of Irv.