Karl E. Sampsell

NEW COLUMBIA - Karl E. Sampsell, 97, of New Columbia, died on Sunday, August 11, at his home.

Born November 24, 1926, and raised in Milton, he was the son of James and Arlie (LeBard) Sampsell.

He started working at the age of "12 or 14" (his answer to every question of "How old were you, dad?" whenever he told a story of his growing up years.) His first job was setting up bowling pins, then stocking at Sunseri's Market in Milton. He worked at the Dairyman's League, ACF, and retired from maintenance at ConAgra in 1992 after 37 years.

He attended Milton High School but enlisted in the U.S. Army prior to high school graduation and served in the Philippines from 1945-46. His children never knew until they were adults that he didn't graduate from high school, but earned his G.E.D. after returning from military service. He then attended Williamsport Technical School for welding and carpentry on the GI Bill.

In 1959, he married Nancy Musser at St Paul's UCC in West Milton. It was a cold January evening, and the ice was breaking on the nearby Susquehanna River. This followed a short courtship which began one afternoon in 1958 when Karl and his young nephew, Greg Gross, were out for a "spin" in his Chevy. They saw Nancy with her horse along River Road in West Milton and Karl told Greg he was going to ask the pretty redhead out for a date, they pulled over, he asked, and she accepted. Thus began a lifelong love and partnership which lasted for 65 years.

Karl was hard working and provided and cared for his family. He built their home with help from cousins and friends over several years after he and Nancy were first married, buying the material as they could afford it and never took out a mortgage. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and being outdoors.

In retirement, he attended the grandchildren's various sporting events and stayed active with yard work, even climbing a ladder to clear the gutters when he was 90. He and Nancy enjoyed eating out and would be found daily at lunchtime at The Checkered Flag in Milton or sometimes the Arrowhead or Marlin's.

He was the last of his siblings: brothers Jim and Warren and sisters Agnes Rothermel and Mary Jane Gross.

He is survived by his three children: daughter Lorena, her son Ian (Jennie) Hilner, and Ian's father, Jim Hilner; son Karl R and his son Carson, and Carson's mother Georgia; son Darrell and his children Charlie (Matthew) Nogle and Ty (Gabrielle) Sampsell and their mother, D'Arcy, and a bonus son, his nephew, Mike Rosbach. He also leaves 4 great-grandchildren: Quint, Karlee, and Aiken Nogle, and Lisa Hilner. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Kevin Taylor.

The family would like to acknowledge the caregivers who lovingly cared for him the past 3 years as dementia slowly stole their husband, dad, and grandfather. Thank you to the all the ladies who provided excellent care and made it possible for him to stay in the home he knew and loved. Special thanks to Melissa and Kim who called him Pap, Deb who made him laugh and cooked creative meals that he enjoyed, Cathy who provided kind, reassuring, professional care, and Cat who quietly kept watch over night.

Many thanks also to the staff of hospice for their care. Donations in his memory can be made to Hospice of Evangelical, 1 Hospital Drive, Lewisburg

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of the Shaw Funeral Home 400 N. Front St. Milton.

Condolences may be shared at www.shawfuneralhomeinc.com.