David Sampsel

David Sampsel, age 73, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 3rd, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 29, 1953, in Bismarck, ND, to Donald and Hope Sampsel. David grew up in Bismarck, ND, Atwater, MN, and Winona, MN.

David attended Winona High School, where he developed his lifelong love of boating and the river. In fact, he bought his first boat before he bought his first car, a fitting early sign of the passions that would stay with him throughout his life. He continued his education before beginning his career.

David's professional life took him through a variety of fields. He began his career in radio and television broadcasting, later moving into political speechwriting and communications with the Department of Public Safety, before ultimately finding his way into construction management. Throughout his life, he held many titles, but his favorite titles were always husband and father.

On December 18, 1982, after a fresh snowfall, David married Becky (Johnson) Sampsel in Wilmington, MN, at the same church where Becky's parents had been married on the same date. Together, David and Becky shared nearly 44 years of marriage and raised three children: Abby, Max, and Madeline.

David took great joy in being an involved and supportive father. He could often be found coaching or cheering from the sidelines at his children's sporting events. Some of the family's most treasured memories were made together on vacations and adventures to Isle Royale, Dauphin Island, Alabama, cabins in northern Wisconsin, and camping along the Mississippi River. For David, the destination mattered far less than being together with the people he loved.

Those who knew David will remember his passion for boating, hunting on family land, his quick sense of humor, his endless thirst for knowledge, and his gift for storytelling. When David told a story, he had a way of making you feel as though you were right there beside him. Above all, he will be remembered for the deep love he held for his wife and children and for the countless ways he showed that love throughout his life.

David is survived by his wife, Becky Sampsel; his children, Abby Sampsel, Max Sampsel (Leigh Aurich), and Madeline Sampsel (Aaron John); and his siblings, Connie (John) Williamson and Dan (Carol) Sampsel. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hope Sampsel; his father, Donald Sampsel; and his brother, JD Sampsel.

A Celebration of Life will be held for close family and friends.

David leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, stories, adventures, and memories that continue through the many people whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by family and friends.