The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Abagail Samson will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Eden. Rev. Fr. Ken Lulf will celebrate the mass. Inurnment will be in St. Michael Cemetery under the direction of the Olson Funeral Chapel.
Abagail G. Samson was born January 23, 1930, to Alfred and Agnes (Keintz) Opitz in Britton, SD. She graduated from Webster High School before furthering her education at Black Hills State and Northern State College. She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Northern State College. Following graduation, her teaching career began in rural country schools. However, the majority of her 50 year plus teaching career was at Veblen Elementary School teaching 2nd grade. She was beloved by her students and very dedicated to her career as a teacher. Gale was known for her professional and classy appearance, both while teaching and in her everyday life throughout the years.
On March 18, 1950, she married Herbert M. Samson and together they raised six children. From their six children they were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Gale was a devoted wife to Herbert for 67 years before his passing in 2017.
Gale had a kind heart and was known for being very open and honest. She had sharp wit and was not afraid to speak her mind. Gale never missed an opportunity to learn something new. She looked forward to time spent with friends and enjoyed dancing in her younger years.
Over the years, Herb and Gale lived in Claire City, Veblen, the farm near Fort Sisseton, and Aberdeen, SD. They enjoyed their life on the farm near Fort Sisseton. Along with teaching, she also kept very busy on the farm with gardening, mowing, painting, and whatever else needed to be done. Family was important to her, and she cherished spending time with Herbert, their children, and grandchildren.
For 4 years after Herb passed away, Gale spent time between Aberdeen and Sioux Falls and eventually moved to Touchmark July, 2021, in Sioux Falls, SD, until her passing.
Gale passed away Friday, January 19, 2024 in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 93 (4 days shy of her 94th birthday).
She is survived by her children: Geraldine Bessler, Catherine Wilkes, Candance (Bob) McNamara, Melanie (Craig) Sommers, Scott (Joanne) Samson and Corey (Britt) Samson, nine grandchildren; and eleven greatgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert; her parents, Alfred and Agnes; siblings: Melvin, Norbert, Luverne, Delores, MaryAnn and Fidelis; sons-in-law, Jeff Wilkes and Daniel Bessler, and granddaughter Rachel (McNamara) Wiese.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Corey Samson – 904 E 70th St. – Sioux Falls, SD 57108.
An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com
