Thomas Mark "Wango" Sample

Thomas Mark 'Wango' Sample died unexpectedly in his home, in West Fargo, ND on June 10, 2018. Mark was born in Fargo, ND, on January 26, 1960, to Faye and Thomas Sample of Moorhead, MN.

Mark was a person driven by curiosity, making, and doing. Early in his teen years, Mark was building go-karts of his own design and taking apart (and putting together again) bicycles, mini-bikes, and anything with a motor. Later, that passion became a big part of his life: riding motorcycles, repairing / restoring cars, and creating custom motorcycle parts. Mark, along with his brother Scott, also grew up collecting and "hunting" for beer cans, amassing a huge vintage and valuable collection, that seemed to take over the family home's basement!

When not busy with those, Mark loved going to the family cabin and fishing or - just like his dad - 'putzing around' with endless projects. And if all that didn't keep him busy enough, he would hunt (deer mostly), produce venison brats, garden, can vegetables, and make his own wine and beer. Rhubarb wine, anyone? Mark was known to his friends as 'Wango' and his zeal for excitement, pushing limits, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and challenging others will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. His independent spirit carried him through life and will be greatly missed.

He started working at his father's electronics wholesale distribution company, S/S Electronics (later called Midwest Distributing), when he was 16 years old and he worked there for over 40 years. He started as an order desk person and worked his way up to become president and general manager.

He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas H. Sample; uncles, Alex (Joyce) Sample, Jr., Gerard (Shirley) Sample, Richard Wilt, Donald Schultz; and nephew, Dylan Sample. He is survived by his mother, Faye Sample; brother, Scott Sample (Stephanie); sister, Sandy (fiancé Ken Martin) Sample; special friend, Sally Hill; nephew, Ryland Sample; niece, Shae Sample; and many cousins and extended family.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 5 - 7 PM, with a Celebration of Life service at 7 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.