Thomas "Sam" Craig Samuelson

Thomas Craig Samuelson ‘Sam’, age 74 of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin passed away on March 7, 2025, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Tom was born on a snowy day, January 20, 1951, in Boone, Iowa. He was the son of the late Walter (Bud) and Helen (Jean) Samuelson of Boone County.

Tom grew up on an Iowa farm working hard and enjoying the country life. Like most Iowa farm boys in the 50’s, he mowed lawns, plowed fields and helped with chores. Tom loved animals, especially his dog, Tina, the cats, and has fond memories of herding cattle on his horse, Chico at the end of the day. He enjoyed 4H and liked camping. Tom was lucky to grow up in a loving family near both sets of grandparents, many aunts and uncles and playing with 24 cousins throughout his life, many who came to visit in the Summer. They enjoyed riding bikes, playing football in the front yard, swimming, and eating great food at Grandma’s or Dad’s backyard   BBQ.

This red-headed boy with tortoise shell glasses had a playful ornery side and never knew an enemy. He recalled playfully ‘tying up Grandma to a tree’ with his cousin Miles, then running away giggling. ‘Tommy’, as everyone called him adored his many cousins and friends and they loved him.

Tom attended United Community High School and graduated in 1969. He played football, and loved the variety shows. Following graduation, he attended DMACC then Iowa State as a forestry major.  Following college, Tom moved to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin where he lived the rest of his life. He owned ‘Fat Cats’ for several years in downtown Lake Geneva. Tom enjoyed scuba diving and had a private underwater rescue. He skied, played golf, and took flying lessons. He was proud to have achieved a solo flight.

Tom loved his family and friends. He loved to laugh. He enjoyed driving back to Iowa for Christmas holidays especially to see his nephew, Brad. Tom is survived by his sister, Susie Samuelson-Crist and brother-in-law, Dr. Robert Crist of Overland Park, KS, nephew, Brad Crist of Atherton, CA, his aunt, Mrs. Marcia Montalbano of Bend, Oregon and a host of cousins and friends.

Tom will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A late Spring graveside service will be held at the Linwood Cemetery in Boone, Iowa to be announced. Donations may be made to your favorite animal rescue in Tom’s honor.

Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel in Boone, IA, will be in charge of the internment following cremation at Derrick Funeral Home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

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Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting Sam's family