Michael "Sammy" Samuelson

Michael "Sammy" Samuelson obituary, Oakdale, MN

Michael "Sammy" Samuelson

Michael Samuelson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 29 to Jan. 30, 2013.
Samuelson, Michael "Sammy" Beloved Bon Vivant Sammy was the consummate heckler and sports fans, a fixture at the Barn, Met Stadium, the Metrodome and Target Field. He loved Gopher Men's Basketball and the Minnesota Twins. With his best friend, Julian Loscalzo, Sammy helped organize tours to ballparks around the country. The tours were masterpieces of chaos and fun. Although he was regarded as perhaps the Twin Cities' best sports fan, Sammy wanted most to be remembered for his work as a community organizer in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where he fought tirelessly for the rights and needs of the poor, the disenfranchised, and people with disabilities. He also worked in housing programs and code enforcement for several cities, including Richfield, Brooklyn Park, and Maplewood. Though living with multiple medical issues and conditions, by his own admission he "enjoyed life every day", and it showed in his joy and enthusiasm. At the age of 11 Michael received his first kidney transplant at the U of M Hospital in 1966. He had subsequent kidney transplants in 1974 and 2005. He survived aggressive squamous cell skin cancer and underwent amputation of his arm and shoulder. In 2012 he was diagnosed with MDS - a blood cancer. He fought it for 13 months, but Michael passed away peacefully surrounded by family Monday January 28, 2013. Preceded in death by father, Howard. Survived by wife, Kiki Sonnen; mother, Lavern (Bob) Jagg; siblings, Terrie (Joe) Pyne, James Samuelson, Barbara (Tom) Gutz, David (Elaine) Samuelson; aunts and uncle; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many beloved friends. Visitation 4-8 PM Thursday, January 31st at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Friday, February 1st, at the CHURCH OF ST. FRANCES CABRINI, 1500 Franklin Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. Celebration of Life luncheon featuring ballpark foods immediately after the mass. Private interment. Memorials preferred to Minnesota Twins Community Fund. Willwerscheid Funeral Home & Cremation Service 651-228-1006

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Sign Michael Samuelson's Guest Book

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January 24, 2020

Marla McPherson posted to the memorial.

August 23, 2013

kim corrick posted to the memorial.

February 24, 2013

John Marty posted to the memorial.

Marla McPherson

January 24, 2020

Sam family is not the same without you, you are missed, your Sisterfrom another Mother,Marla

kim corrick

August 23, 2013

His life wasn't long enough, but he sure lived it. He touched many lives. I worked with him decades ago at the university hospital.

John Marty

February 24, 2013

Kiki:

Sammy was always such an upbeat, cheerful guy. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of grief.

Barry Brent

February 9, 2013

I shared an apartment with Sammy in 81-82, just before I got married. He was lovable and hilarious! I never forget those days.

Tim OConnor

February 1, 2013

I knew who Sammy" was and wasn't sure I liked him? I would see him at the Dome for baseball events like Bobblehead games and at "Twinsfest".. About 3 years ago I finally got to know him.. I thought I was really wrong about him. He was a little outspoken. Well maybe a little more than that, but the more I really got to know him the better liked him.. He was a real treasure.. I'm really going to miss his wit. What a great guy. Thanks for being my Pal.. Tim.

Spencer Blaw

February 1, 2013

I remember Sammy most for his work as a Community Organizer in South Minneapolis. We would often go to a neighborhood bars and grills ie Matts, the Cedar Inn, etc for lunch. We would share stories about neighborhood residents, buildings, community organizations and landlords etc. I will miss him too for all the times he treated me to Twins and Gopher. And Micheal was a personal hero for me. His fight with chronic and acute health issues helped me with my own health issues. I will miss him daily for a long, long time to come.

Kiki thanks for keeping him moving foreward through the challenges of his health. You have all my love.

January 31, 2013

See you on the other side Brother. Love Ya Jim Sam

Brian "Brillo" Winter

January 31, 2013

I am very honored to have been able to call Sammy a friend. I met him on my first Ballpark Tours trip back in early 90's. His knowledge baseball and other sports was amazing. His heckles and zingers kept everybody in stitches. Sometimes you might never even know if you were one of his victims until minutes later! More than once I walked away from a conversation with Sammy only to realize I had been zinged! Sammy was truly one of a kind. To Kiki, and his family I send my prayers and condolences.

January 31, 2013

Kiki,
I am truly sorry to hear that your husband Sammy passed away. I want you to know that although I didn't know Sammy, he sounds like a wonderful, giving and full of life guy!
Your unconditional care and love for him should be commended...I know what that is like! He will live on in your heart and the hearts of those who loved him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...I will be back in town the end of April...maybe we could meet and just visit then. Love to you and yours...Barb "Dill" Daly

Dawn Stockmo

January 31, 2013

Minnesota baseball, gopher basketball and community organizing will never be the same. My thoughts and prayers are with you Kiki, Julian and all of Sammy's family and extended family.

Rodney Beystrom

January 31, 2013

I worked with Sammy @ the City of Brooklyn Park and did some things with him. He was a "breath of fresh air" and a one of a kind individual. He was a blessing to know and a blessing to many. His family and his many friends can privileged and proud to have had him in their lives. His Lord has now relieved him from his pain and suffering and he is in a far better place. He has "rounded all the bases" and the Lord has brought him "all the way home".

Val

January 31, 2013

Kiki and all the Sams, although he knew the day was coming, he continued to live life to the fullest with the most amazing attitude ever!! He is such an inspiration to all who knew him!! He remained so positive with each card he was dealt. We should all take life lessons from him. I will never forget the b ball games at the park that he held every year and what fun times they were! Heaven gained a great man and we are all thankful to have been a part of his life!!

kate,lily,ella uselton/niemczyk

January 31, 2013

the girls and i will miss him dearly and remember him fondly.

David Whitcomb

January 31, 2013

Sorry for your loss. May you all find Peace & happiness in every day. Thinking of the Sams. God Bless.

Marla McPherson

January 30, 2013

Kiki and Sam Family, So sorry for your loss, Michael was a truly sweet guy and will be missed always. You will always remember how many Friends he had and if you ever forgot-pop in the tape of his last "Kidney bash" at O'Gara's! RIP, Micheal.

Paulie

January 30, 2013

Kiki, Julian and the rest of the folks that Sammy loved: Sammy was the most unique person I've ever known. He brought a lot of light to a lot of people and world is less by his absence.

Michael Windey

January 30, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I knew Sammy through his work in Frogtown. We ran to each other at times. He always smiled and had nice things to say. When I read he had passed on to the big field. I read the poem that I have attached and this is how I will remember him. He lives on everyday.

NATIVE AMERICAN POEM
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP.
I AM NOT THERE. I DO NOT SLEEP.
I AM THE THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW.
I AM THE DIAMOND GLINT IN SNOW.
I AM THE SUNLIGHT ON RIPENED GRAIN.
I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN RAIN.
WHEN YOU WAKE IN THE MORNING HUSH,
I AM THE SWIFT UPLIFTING RUSH
OF QUIET BIRDS IN CIRCLING FLIGHT.
I AM THE SOFT STARLILGHT AT NIGHT.
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP,
I AM NOT THERE. I DO NOT SLEEP.

Kathlyn Larson Robinson

January 30, 2013

I was listening to Tommy Mischke's radio show Monday night. I thought he was talking live to "Sammy", but it was a recording. I was intrigued by Sammy's story and his amazing attitude. At the end of the recording, Tommy announced that Sammy had died that day. I never met Sammy or Mischke, but the news brought tears to my eyes. I can see why he was loved by many people after reading his Obituary. My deepest Sympathy.

January 30, 2013

Sammy always had a smile ....I never met such an uplifting spirit as "Sammy"....will be greatly missed!!!!!
Greg Bilek, Mpls.

Michelle (Monson) Moravec

January 30, 2013

To the Samuelson Family so sorry for your loss of Michael I know he was such a fun and happy guy. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Uncle Leo and Judy Samuelson

January 30, 2013

Even though we knew this day would come, we were both saddened to hear Sammy was gone. We know he is in a place where he will never know suffering again. We are sorry that we can't be with the family at this time, since we are still in AZ

Mel Duncan

January 30, 2013

Sing a song with Stevie Goodman tonight, dear friend.

Alan Arthur

January 30, 2013

Sammy exuded enough spirit each day to overflow both the Metrodome AND Target Field. Alas, the sun has lost her only peer...
Thank you, Sammy.

January 30, 2013

RIP Sammy! Finally got to sit by Sammy at Target Field last year. A truely individual person. He will be missed.

Susan Hamilton

January 30, 2013

So sorry for your loss, I will always think of Michael when I watch the Twins! My prayers to you and your family at this time.

David Marx

January 30, 2013

The Twins have lost one of their all time best fans. I hope they mention Sammy during opening day ceremonies. He deserves it.

harold petersen

January 30, 2013

my sympathies and condolences kiki,barb and family on the loss of sammy! what a spark plug sammy was! cherish the wonderful memories with him!

January 29, 2013

We all miss you so much sweet Sammy! You are our hero & we will remember you always. xxoo
Kiki, Minnie, Fuzzy & Kozy

Dale Wiebusch

January 29, 2013

My years of attending Twins games were most memorable for the times Sammy was there too. God bless.

Denise Ganje

January 29, 2013

Barb and the rest of the Samuelson family: So very sorry for your loss. Will keep you in my prayers at this difficult time.

Cathy Zakrzewski (Paulet)

January 29, 2013

Dear Barb:
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your brother. I will pray for you and your family as you grieve.

Marla Bollig

January 29, 2013

Sammy quite literally went skidding into the Halls of Fame...so happy to have known such a wild and crazy,loving character. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.....

Kathy Cole

January 29, 2013

Kiki, I am so sorry for your loss. Sammy was one of a kind and will truly be missed!

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January 24, 2020

Marla McPherson posted to the memorial.

August 23, 2013

kim corrick posted to the memorial.

February 24, 2013

John Marty posted to the memorial.