Dr. Leo Samson

Dr. Leo Samson

1920 – 2025

IDA GROVE - Dr. Leo V. “Doc” Samson, 104, of Ida Grove, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at Golden Horizons Assisted Living of Ida Grove. 

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove. Father William A. McCarthy will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Ida Grove. Military Rites will be conducted by the McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion of Ida Grove.

A Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9-10:30 a.m., with a Rosary at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Memorials in Doc’s name may be directed to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 800 N. Main Street, Ida Grove, IA 51445.

Dr. Leo Vernon “Doc” Samson, the son of Archie L. and Kathryn (McLaughlin) Samson, was born on June 2, 1920, in Onawa, Iowa. From an early age, Doc excelled in academics and sports. He received his education from Onawa High School where he was captain of the basketball, football, and baseball teams, as well as played clarinet in the school band. He graduated with the class of 1938 and went on to attend college at Creighton University, graduating with a doctorate degree in Dentistry in 1945.

On May 21, 1943, Doc enlisted in the U.S. Army. In 1945, he was transferred to the U.S. Navy. Upon graduation from Creighton, he was ordered to pass his boards and report to Fort Shoemaker. He proudly served his country during World War II. While stationed in California, Leo met his future wife, Margaret “Peg” Freas, a Navy nurse. On Sept. 4, 1946, Doc and Peg were united in marriage in Norwood, Pennsylvania. They made their home in California until his honorable discharge from the service in 1947. He remained in the Navy Reserves until 1967, retiring with the rank of Commander. After living in West Point, Nebraska, for several years, the lure of the Ida Grove Golf and Country Club beckoned Doc to move to Ida Grove in 1950. Doc maintained a dental practice in Ida Grove until retiring in 1985. Doc and Peg were blessed with five children: Russell, Elizabeth, Mary, Pat, and Paul.  

Doc was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ida Grove. He attended daily Mass, faithfully serving Mass as an altar boy through his 100th birthday. He was a man who lived life with a sense of duty, honor, and integrity. An avid golfer, Doc won numerous club championships, and at the age of 97, could still be found out on the course.

Left to cherish his memory include his children Russell (Jean) Samson of Ankeny, Iowa, Mary Samson of Johnston, Iowa, Pat Junod of Ankeny, Iowa and Paul (Pat) Samson of Medicine Lake, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Archie and Kathryn Samson; his wife of 67 years Margaret “Peg” Samson; daughter Elizabeth Hilker; sons-in-law Allen Hilker and Stanley Junod; brothers John (Florence), William (Joan), and Paul Samson.