Donald Samuelson Obituary Senator Donald Samuelson "Sammy" died at home with his family on June 6, 2025, at the age of 92. He is reunited with his wife of 70 years, as well as the many family members and friends that have gone before. Don Samuelsons life is a rich history of serving community and beyond. Born August 23, 1932, to Ellen and Walter Samuelson, Don lived his entire life in Brainerd. He cared deeply about this community his entire life. He lost his father at an early age, when Walter died as a prisoner of war in 1942 as a member of the 194th Tank Battalion. His mother remarried Kenneth Anderson who was a much-loved stepfather. He graduated from Brainerd High School in 1951. He worked as a bricklayer for many years, beginning right after high school, following in the footsteps of three past generations of bricklayers. As a bricklayer, he constructed the Brainerd State Hospital, St. Josephs Hospital, Brainerd High School, several of the local elementary schools, and many other public and private buildings around Brainerd, including St. Andrew's Catholic Church. He was a member of Bricklayer, Mason and Plasterers local 15, serving as secretary/treasurer, and business agent. In 1952 he married the love of his life, Nancy. Together they had one son and three daughters. He was a Little League Baseball coach, Scout master, and great cheerleader for his childrens activities. When his daughter Laura was diagnosed with Leukemia, Don donated his bone marrow in a relatively new procedure. The loss of Lori was one of the worst times of his life. Later, he helped to establish the now International Bone Marrow Donor Registry in her memory. He was a well-known member of local organizations such the VFW, the Legion, the Elks Club, Moose Lodge, and the Brainerd Country Club. He was an incredibly gifted storyteller; both true and possibly exaggerated. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, and traveling with his wife. His favorite activity was probably playing a lively game of pinochle with his family and anyone else he could find to challenge to a game. As his family grew, Sammy became interested in serving a greater community. He was first elected to the MN House of Representatives from 1968 until 1982, after which he was elected to the State Senate. He served as Senator until 2002, acting as the President of the Senate for two years. His concerns were always for his constituents in the district. His legislative legacy lives on in many of the programs and services in the Lakes Area. Some major contributions to the community include Central Lakes College, The Paul Bunyan Trail, the Mississippi River High Rise, the POW/MIA Highway, and the Brainerd Veterans Memorial. When his political service ended, Don dedicated his time to the local Brainerd area. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, was a Crow Wing County Historical Society board member and President, served on the Brainerd Public Utilities Commission, as well as the Minnesota Board of Aging and the Crow Wing County DFL. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, his sister Geraldine, his wife Nancy, and his daughter Laura. He is survived by his son Stephen, daughters Paula and Christine; grandchildren Charles Eggen (Jess Pagel), Adam Fladebo (Laurel Hall), Nicole Fladebo, Sean Pflepsen (Nikki ODay), Meghan Pflepsen (Leigh Zender), Patric Pflepsen, John Smaaladen (Shannon)and great-grandchildren, Zackery, Izabell, Oliver, Lilia, August, Carter, and Arianna. His legacy lives on. He was loved by his family and the community for the time and effort he put into everything he did. Rest In Peace. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather at 10am for a visitation, and to stay for a luncheon following the service. Internment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the organizations listed above that were close to his heart.