Obitary: Sheldon E. Sampson

As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:

Sheldon E. Sampson, 89, of Houghton, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Portage Pointe after a 4 year struggle with Lewy Bodies/Parkinson’s Disease.
     He was born on September 13, 1931 in Toivola to Arthur and Elma (Iro) Sampson. A graduate of Jeffers High School Class of 1949, and received further education at Cass Technical School, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University with studies in mathematics, hydraulics, mechanics and die design. He was employed at Victor Tool, Garfield Engineering, Westlof Tool and Die, and Cargill Corporation before becoming co-owner of Koppy Corporation, retiring in 1986.
     He was first married to Loretta Sheehan, raising a family of 4 children, who passed away in June of 1998 while living in Davisburg, MI.  Sheldon was a charter member of the Holly Council #7620 Knights of Columbus, a Boy Scout leader and member of the United States Naval Reserve. 
     After Sheldon relocated to Houghton, he married Charlene Dexter on May 27th of 2000 at St Rita’s Catholic Church in Holly MI by Father Joe Killeen.  Together they shared Sheldon’s passion of traveling, taking both of them to over 58 countries and all continents except Africa. Kauai, Hawaii always remained his favorite place where he wintered for 30 years.
    Sheldon will be remembered as a kind, caring, generous man who touched and made an impact on many lives.
     He is survived by his wife Charlene; daughters Kris, Kathy, and Laura (Tim); five grandchildren: Lonnie, Erin, Trent, Michael, and Daniel; six great-grandchildren; sister, Joanne  (Kerry) Echinger; nieces and nephews; stepchildren: Darlene (Darrell), Terry (Betty), and Jamie (Tina); 11 step-grandchildren; and 17 step-great grandchildren.
     Besides his parents and first wife, he was also preceded in death by a son, Michael; grandson Anthony; brothers Roy (Lita) and Robert (Mildred).
    In grateful appreciation to Reverend Father John Martignon for your many visits, guidance and kind words.  Doctors Pettibone and McKenzie and the entire staff at Portage Pointe for the excellence in care, caring and professionalism. His step-children Darlene, Darrell, Terry and Jamie who were always there for him.  Thank you all.
     A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 A.M. on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Range. Interment will be at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.  
     The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.