Daniel "Dan" Sampson

Daniel “Dan” Max Sampson, 69, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 20, 2016 after a battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lutheran Church of Hope with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 9 a.m. until service Wednesday at the church.

Dan was born on a farm in Viola Center, Iowa and moved to Des Moines as a young boy. He attended Roosevelt High School and upon graduation went to Grand View College and Drake University. While at Grand View, Dan met and later married JoAnn Schwartz. He and JoAnn have lived in Urbandale, Iowa for the past 41 years. Dan was a self-employed insurance agent for many years and more recently employed at American Enterprise.

Dan enjoyed cheering on (and criticizing) the Iowa Hawkeyes and the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved time spent with family and friends at his house on Lake of the Ozarks. Dan devoted countless hours to coaching and serving on the board of Urbandale Little League. He took great pride in knowing that he helped plant many of the now mature trees at Northview Park.

Whether it was a sporting event, dance recital or school concert, Dan gleamed with pride while supporting his 6 grandchildren in all their various activities. He was a dedicated family man.

Dan was a devoted husband, dad, “Papa,” brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife of almost 46 years, JoAnn; daughters, Shauna (Andy) Bream, Lisa (Michael) Graalfs; son, Joseph (Tory) Sampson; grandchildren, Ella and Joseph Bream, Noah and Raina Graalfs, and Emery and Bode Sampson; a sister, Ann Herteen; and two brothers, John “Buzz” Sampson (Carolyn) and Tim Sampson (Marilyn). He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Mary Jane Sampson.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Dale Swift Fund.

Dan and his family would like to thank the compassionate group of nurses and staff at Methodist Younker 8.