Gisli L. Sampson

Gisli L. Sampson 86, of rural Hensel, ND passed away Tuesday, October 9, 2007, at the Wedgewood Manor, Cavalier, ND. Funeral services will he held Friday, October 12, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at the Vikur Lutheran Church, Mountain, ND. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service at the Jensen-Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND. Visitation at the church for one hour before the time of services. Burial in the Vidalin Cemetery, Hensel, ND.
Gisli was born in Akra Township of Pembina County on April 8, 1921, to Joseph J. and Kristjana (Eyolfson) Sampson. He attended Eastman school in Akra Township and also Park River Agricultural School.
On January 16, 1953, he married Joyce Thorsteinson at the family home in Hensel. They lived on the farm his family had homesteaded until 2001, when he and Joyce both resided first at Borg Pioneer Memorial Home and then Wedgewood Manor. Joyce passed away on April 29, 2003.
He was a member of Pembina Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mountain and also served on the boards of the Borg Pioneer Memorial Home and the Vidalin Cemetery Association.
Gisli loved his life as a farmer and was very proud of his Hereford cattle. He shared that farm life and his love of the land with several nieces and nephews, who enjoyed a summer at the farm with Joyce and Gisli as part of their life experience. They helped raise their niece, Frances (Garceau) Sailer and also were an important part of the life of their niece, Kay (Thorlakson) Lyshoj and nephew, Jim Thorlakson and treated their children as grandchildren.
Survivors include a sister, Olivia Johnson, Spokane, WA; nieces, Louise Johnson, Spokane, WA; Frances (Dale) Sailer, Grand Forks, ND; Kathy Thorlakson, Hensel, ND; Kay (Tom) Lyshoj, Dalzell, IL; nephew, Jim Thorlakson, formerly of Hensel; grandchildren in Gisli's heart, Mike (April) Sailer and daughter, Cariana; Matt (Stacy) Sailer and son, Brendan and Jon Sailer, all of Grand Forks; Kirsten (Whitney) Sjostsrand, Des Moines, IA; Karin (Stan) Johnson, Fort Benning, GA; Karl Lyshoj, Portage, IN; Erik Thorlakson, Hensel; and Carissa Thorlakson, Fargo, ND; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bjorn Olgeirson, Orville (Elaine) Thorsteinson, Beulah Olgeirson, Mae (Herb) Heideman, Vallee Ann Simundson, and Carol Thorsteinson.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kathrine Garceau Thorlakson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill Johnson; Ray, Bill, and Joe Thorsteinson; Joe Simundson, Barney Olgeirson, Agnes (King) Sannes, Violet Jorgenson, and Ruth Olgeirson.
Clergy: Rev. Christopher Miller.
Casket Bearers: John Jorgenson, Robert Olgeirson, Jon Sailer, Matt Sailer, Mike Sailer, Roger Simundson, Erik Thorlakson, and Scott Thorsteinson.
Honorary Pallbearers: Allan Anderson, Russell Anderson, Doug Olason, Magnus Olason, Vincent Rambeck, Tom Thorlakson, and all of Gisli's Neighbors and Friends.
Music: Carissa Thorlakson, Soloist and Suzanne Ashpole, Organist.