In loving memory of

Laura Ruth Samuelson
March 7, 1911 - October 11, 2014

Laura Samuelson, 103, of Stanhope, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at the Stratford Nursing and Rehab Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Stanhope with Pastor Dave Nerdig officiating. Burial will follow at Lawn Hill Cemetery, southeast of Stanhope. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center.
Laura Ruth Sundell was born April 7, 1911, the daughter of Albert T. and Julia E. (Lundblad) Sundell at the family farm near Boxholm. Since the doctor fell asleep on his way to deliver her and got lost on the country roads, a neighbor lady came over and delivered her. Laura was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Boxholm. She attended Boxholm Consolidated School and Boone High School where she graduated in 1929. She then continued her education at the Iowa Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Des Moines and received her Registered Nursing Degree in May of 1933. She married William J. Samuelson on March 26, 1936, in Boone. Shortly thereafter they moved to Stanhope where they farmed until William's death in 1985. Laura stayed on the farm until late in her 90's when she moved to Story City.
Laura took her nursing very serious and worked at the Winterset Hospital and the Hamilton County Hospital in Webster City. She later worked many years for Dr. DeWayne Anderson in Stanhope and then with Dr. Anderson at the McFarland Clinic in Ames. Laura was very active in Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Stanhope, and in the Stanhope Community. She was a 4-H Club Leader, President of the P.T. A., the first woman member of the Stanhope School Board and volunteered at Bethany Manor and the Stratford Care Center. Her favorite past times were reading, helping on the farm and tending to her sheep.
She is survived by two sons, David (DeLoris) Samuelson of Knoxville and Dennis (Pat) Samuelson of Jewell; four grandsons, Steven (Diana) Samuelson, Brian Samuelson, Scott Samuelson and Anthony (Barb) Samuelson; and a great-granddaughter, Lhotse Samuelson. She is also survived by step-grandchildren, Zach Davison, Dylan Davison, Deisha (Steve) Reynolds, Tyler and Delanie, Dana (Kate) Goshon and Morgan.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William, brothers, Clarence, Cloyd and Morris; sisters, Viola and Mildred; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the family and used per Laura's request.
Write a personal tribute for the Samuelson family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com.

Tributes

Nan Tollakson wrote on Oct 14, 2014:

"A very caring and loving lady and nurse, a very special person. Prayers for comfort and hugs. "

Dorothy Dyer Hansen wrote on Oct 14, 2014:

"Aunt Laura was my late husband, Larry Dyer's aunt by marriage to his uncle Bill, but she was by far his Favorite Aunt. She would come to Ames & stop by to visit us often. Once on visit on a cold winter day she lost her wedding ring set and Larry found them as the snow began to thaw. We didn't know they were her rings until she stopped for a visit later that spring. She thought it was special that Larry had been the one to find them. After I lost Larry in 2005. she still continued to be a special friend to me. She came to our house after his funeral and stayed to visit. We would take drives to visit cousins in Des Moines. Five years later when Dave & I were planning to be married we went to visit Aunt Laura and she gave us her blessing. She was a dear and special lady. My sincere condolences to David & Dennis and families. Dorothy Dyer Hansen "

Anthony & James Park wrote on Oct 14, 2014:

"Laura although I never had the opportunity to meet you I am saddened to read you have past before I ever had the chance too. From what I've read you loved your family and lived a fulfilling life. My deepest sympathy goes out to rest of your family. Sincerely your great grandson and great great grandson. Since I am unable to attend, I can be reached at 515-783-4240 if anyone wants to contact us"

Karen (Teig) Conley wrote on Oct 14, 2014:

"I always smile when I think of Laura because she always had a smile on her face. She taught me to bottle-feed lambs and even "lent" me Wammy-Pie for a short while so I could believe I had a lamb of my own. The Samuelson's were a second family to us; I'm sending prayers and wonderful memories to David & Denny and families."

Sandra Textor wrote on Oct 14, 2014:

"Such a sweet, pragmatic lady! Always friendly and helpful. Our sympathy Sandra Textor"

Jan Ziebell wrote on Oct 14, 2014:

"I worked many years with Laura at McFarland Clinic. She was a wonderful, caring nurse. I know my observation of her nursing skills helped me to become a better nurse. She was a special lady! May God's peace surround you during this time. "

Pam Holtan wrote on Oct 13, 2014:

"Laura always had kind words and we shared many hours together at Doc Anderson's Office above the Drug Store so many years ago. She taught me the "I'm hiding in something" game and I spy. I had to get shots for an allergy and she was the bright star who entertained me and tried to keep my mind off of that darn needle. She has been a blessing to me and many others over the years. I'll always remember her as a special friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.... her family! May you always remember how special she was in your lives! Pass along the memories and continue her legacy of kindness. "