John Sampson

John Pierce Sampson, age 85 of Stillwater, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026. He was a devoted husband, loving father, beloved grandpa and great-grandpa, and cherished friend.

Born on March 22, 1940, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, John developed a lifelong love of golf at an early age. His talent on the course earned him national recognition as a standout high school golfer, and he went on to play at Northern State College, in Aberdeen.

John spent more than 20 years working for Norwest Bank, later Wells Fargo, in the Twin Cities. On November 28, 1970, he married Nancy Gackstetter, the love of his life. Together they built a close and loving family that included the couple's son, Jonathan, and Nancy's five children: Mike, Michele, Mark, Melissa, and Monique. John was a deeply devoted father who took great joy in his role within the family.

Beyond golf, John found happiness in goose hunting and fishing trips in the mountains of the American West, experiences he treasured deeply. Above all else, he adored his wife Nancy and cherished every moment spent with his family, especially his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

John will remain in the hearts of his wife of 55 years Nancy; children Mike (Debbie) Bushman, Michele (Jim) Kluck, Mark (Shirley) Bushman, Melissa (Bob) Cunningham, Monique (Jeff) Gainor, and Jonathan Sampson; 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; and siblings Tom (Cris) Sampson, and Melody (Allen) Ness. He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Faith (Pierce) Sampson; and brother Bob.

A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held in the spring at Christ Lutheran Church in Marine on St. Croix, MN.

Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association.

John's impact on those who knew him will be cherished forever, and he will be deeply missed.