Einar John "Sam" Samuelsen

Born on July 19, 1932 in Elizabeth, NJ, Einar lived a long and remarkable life marked by integrity, quiet strength, service to his country, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved.

Einar grew up in Elizabeth, NJ, the son of Norwegian immigrants. He earned an accounting degree from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, before joining the United States Air Force.

Einar served his nation with honor and discipline for 18 years—qualities that continued to define him throughout his life. He served with the Strategic Air Command in the air as a flight navigator on KC-97 and KC-135 refueling tankers and under the ground manning a Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launch control center in Grand Forks, ND.

While based in Lincoln, NE, he met his future wife, Natalie Joan Anhalt, on a blind date. They married in Northbrook, IL, on May 9, 1959, a union that lasted until her death in 2006. During their marriage, they welcomed three children, Chandra, Tina, and Scott and moved numerous times before settling long-term in Houston, TX, in 1971. After leaving the military, Einar was the General Manager of Comet Rice Mills and a tax auditor for the Texas Employment Commission.

Einar loved travel, watching sports, and high tech gadgetry. Those who knew him remember a man who had sharp intelligence and an amazing memory. Even in his final days, his clarity of thought, gentle humor, and resilience remained fully intact.

Einar was a loving father, devoted grandfather, and the heart of his family. His wisdom guided generations, his calm presence anchored those around him, and his kindness shaped countless moments of family life. He was the steady voice of reason, the encourager, and the one who always made others feel safe and cared for. His family cherishes memories of his warmth, his wit, and the quiet way he expressed his love—steadfast, dependable, and always genuine.

Einar is survived by his daughter, Tina Samuelsen Bauer of Rapid City, SD; son Scott Samuelsen and his wife, Nikki, of Houston, TX; his granddaughters, Haley and Hannah Samuelsen; and companion Ivy Geiger of Bryan, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan, his daughter Chandra, his brother Arnold, and his son-in-law Kurt. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the strength he modeled, and the love he poured into his family.

The family would like to thank the medical team at St. Joseph Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness during Einar’s final days.

A service honoring Einar’s life will be held in the sanctuary at A&M United Methodist Church on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 1 pm with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Einar’s memory to Candle-lighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance, Mission of Yahweh, or the charity of your choice.

Einar’s life was one of integrity, quiet courage, deep love, and enduring faithfulness. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.