Ronald Gene Samuelson

Ronald Gene Samuelson, 81, of Broomfield, Colorado, passed away on June 24, 2026. Although his given name was Ronald, those who knew and loved him knew him simply as Sam. He was born on December 16, 1944, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Robert and Lola Samuelson.

Ron graduated from Minonk-Dana-Rutland High School in Minonk, Illinois, in 1962. The following year, he joined the United States Navy, serving from 1963 to 1965. During his service, he was stationed aboard the USS Colonial (LSD-18) as a radio operator and served during the Vietnam War.

After his time in the Navy, Ron attended and worked at Illinois State University before beginning a long and successful career in sales and real estate. He built a thriving real estate business in California before retiring to Broomfield, Colorado, with his beloved wife, Marsha Jo (Allen) Samuelson.

A man of faith, Sam was a Christian and a devoted member of the Lutheran Church.

More than anything, Sam loved sharing the things that brought him joy with the people he loved. He took his children and grandchildren fishing, content to spend long, unhurried hours at the water’s edge, and taught them the games that had always been close to his heart — especially cribbage, chess, pinochle and board games — played around the table amid friendly competition, teasing, and plenty of laughter. He appreciated life’s simple pleasures done well: a well-made martini and the occasional sip of a good Manhattan, best enjoyed in good company. Those who knew him will remember his warmth and the easy way he made ordinary moments feel like something worth holding onto.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lola Samuelson.

Sam’s legacy will be cherished by his loving wife of 42 years, Marsha Jo (Allen) Samuelson; his four children, Carla (Scott) Dunn of Fort Collins, Colorado; Carrie (Samuelson) Smith of Marshfield, Missouri; Dusty (Daniel) Cook of Broomfield, Colorado; and Christopher (Allyson) Samuelson of Fresno, California. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Annika Felts, Shayla Smith, Alton Smith, Jaeden Cook, Cierra Cook, Tristan Cook, Kennedy Samuelson, Luke Samuelson, Noah Samuelson, and Jack Samuelson; and his siblings, Vernon (Pat) Samuelson, Aleta (Mike) Rossman, and Timothy (Midge) Samuelson; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A burial service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado on July 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.