Gone from this world too soon at the age of 58. Linda and Doug were inseparable, so it was appropriate that he passed away with Linda by his side. He lived every moment as a devoted husband, brother, father, and grandfather.
Doug is survived by his parents, Roger and Toni (nee Smetak), his loving wife of 36 years, Linda and his sons Steve (Stephanie) Samuel, Bryan (Adrienne) Samuel, Joe Samuel, and Mark (Kristen) Samuel. A loving grandfather to Finley, Oliver, Wyatt, and Clark. A cherished brother to siblings Bruce (Laurie) Samuel, Lynn (Mike) Schumann, and Mike (Amy) Samuel. He is also survived and remembered by many other family members, friends, and coworkers.
Doug was a member of the 128th Wisconsin Air National Guard for 14 years and was employed at the VA Medical Center as an Interventional Radiologic Technologist. Doug was a handler for the LCC Comfort Dog Ministry, and he and Linda volunteered at Froedtert Hospital visiting staff and patients with Concordia University’s comfort dog Sage.
Doug often said he had a “good life”. He lived life to the fullest and focused his love on his family. He was a strong role model for his sons and supported Linda throughout her career. He had planned to retire soon in order to spend time with his family and travel. He was an avid sports fan who continued to play softball and be physically active. His favorite memories were coaching sports for his sons (basketball, baseball, and soccer) and supporting Catholic Memorial’s Boys Soccer team for 11 years as his sons played. He also enjoyed watching his sons play soccer for Concordia University. Doug supported Special Olympics as his son Joe is heavily involved as an athlete on Team Ozaukee. He loved to travel and always looked forward to the annual trip to Curacao.
Doug will be missed by many people and he was not ready to leave this world. Even in death he displayed his selfless nature through the gift of organ and tissue donation. He had so many things planned and so many things left to do. He will truly be missed, and we know he is now watching us all from Heaven.
Funeral service at 5:00 PM, Friday, August 21, 2020, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 734 Glenview Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Visitation preceding from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. COVID social distancing practices are in place and masks will be required.
Should friends desire, contributions may be sent in his honor to Concordia University – Samuel Family Endowment or Special Olympics.
All are welcome to a party at the Samuel Home on Saturday, August 22nd, 2020 at 2:00 pm. Doug did not want people to mourn. He had always said that he wanted people to gather for a party, drink, eat, have fun, and reminisce. Please come to our home and enjoy…Doug would have loved that.