Earl Samuelson

Earl H Samuelson, 92, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 22, 2020. He was born on October 19, 1927 to Henry and Lydia Samuelson in Stromsburg, NE. He was the youngest of five children.  He grew up on the farm and attended Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. He served in the US Army in Japan during World War II. Following his military service, he earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln where he was a member of Beta Sigma Psi. Het met the love of his life, Ruby, at a popular dance hall and memorized her phone number to call the next day.

After their marriage in 1951, he and Ruby moved to Dallas where he worked for Standard Oil. He later worked for the Federal Aviation Administration in Kansas City and Lincoln, Nebraska where he retired from the Standards and Safety Branch, Airports Division.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Mission and later Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Overland Park.  He was a member of the American Legion.

Earl enjoyed family vacations to almost every state in the country, ballroom dancing with his beloved wife Ruby, polka music, Branson, Cornhusker football,  fishing, crossword puzzles, being with friends, and most of all spending time with his family and grandchildren. He could fix or build almost anything, including dollhouses, play furniture, electronic equipment, custom boat seats and fishing jigs.

Earl was very patient, thoughtful and generous.  His kindness and gentle spirit touched all who knew him. He adored his family, especially his granddaughters, and was always ready to help with anything that needed to be done.  He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife Ruby, daughter Laurie Johnson (Rick), granddaughters Melinda and Melissa Johnson, and many nieces and nephews. He will be interred in a private family service at Johnson Country Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in his name to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7851 W 119th Street, Overland Park, KS  66213.