Arlyss F. Sampson

Arlyss F. Sampson, 85, died Sunday, April 7, 2019, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.

Arlyss was born May 28, 1933, to Lewis and Myrtle Larson at their home in Brainerd. Arlyss attended school in Brainerd. She discovered her love for music and even started directing a children’s choir. In 1951 Arlyss went to sing at an event and there she met another choir enthusiast, Bill Sampson.

Arlyss and Bill were married on April 23, 1955. They started a life together in Virginia where they started their family having two of their four children. Soon after they moved to Fergus Falls and started a family business, Sampson’s Shoes. Arlyss and Bill then had two more children.
Arlyss became very active in the community. Arlyss and Bill became members of First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls and they soon joined the church choir. She and Bill also enjoyed performing solos and duets when asked. As her children were entering school Arlyss started her long career as a Para Educator with Fergus Falls Public Schools. As a hobby Arlyss perfected and made her Norwegian Wedding Cake for weddings and receptions.

Arlyss grew strong in her faith, devoted her life to her family, singing in the church choir, and grew to love all the children she worked with at the school. Many students stayed in contact with Arlyss after she retired.

Arlyss is survived by four children, Steve (Mary) Sampson, Kay Chasco, Scott (Viann) Sampson, and Ann Sampson, all of Fergus Falls; 12 grandchildren, Angie (Chase) Griffin, Missy (Pat) Sampson, Phil Bernstetter, Joey Bernstetter, Stephanie Sampson, Josh Chasco, Justin (Margo) Chasco, Jenny (Ed) Chasco, Kristin (Erik) Ross, Ryan (Heidi) Sampson, Adam (Bria) Nehk and Arlonna Anderson; 13 great-grandchildren, Kylie, Ava, Carter, Olivia, Eleanor, William, Evalynn, Grady, Jude, Orion, Odin, Decker, and Arrow; niece, Gayle (Tom) Fidler and nephews, Dyke (Sharon) Hanson and Curt Hanson.

Arlyss is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Myrtle; husband, Donald (Bill) Sampson; grandson, Joe Sampson; sister, Alice and brother-in-law, Jerry.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m., to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 2019 at the Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Service: 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 15, 2019 at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Gretchen Enoch
Interment: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls

Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements