Garman "Gar" R. Sampson

Garman Redwin Sampson, 88, of Dilworth, MN, died on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, in Lilac Homes, Dilworth, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.  

Garman “Gar” Sampson was born September 12, 1935, to Redwin and Gertrude (Larson) Sampson, on the family farm in Finley, ND. Soon after, they moved to Callaway, MN, where Gar helped with the family farm – even driving a tractor at the young age of 7.  Gar attended a small country school, The Goat Ranch, through the eighth grade.  He continued helping on the farm until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp when he was 18.  In 1954, he was deployed to South Korea during the Korean War where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant.  Gar took great pride in his years of service to his country.

After his return to civilian life, Gar worked for several companies, including American Linen – where he met Kathleen Varriano.  Gar and Kathleen were married in December 1958 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Dilworth, where they also made their home.  Together they raised two children: Joe, and Lisa.   

Gar attended Dakota Business College while also working for NSP in Fargo, ND, until 1969, when he founded Homemaker’s Villa. Gar and Kathleen were married for 35 years.  What they enjoyed most was spending time with family and friends.   They also loved the lakes, square dancing, snowmobiling, traveling as a couple, and taking family vacations until 1993 when Kathleen passed away.

Later, Gar met Marlyne Christoffers of Hitterdal, MN, and they were married In November 1995 at Lake Park Lutheran Church in Lake Park, MN.  They lived in rural Hitterdal during the summer months and wintered in Carlsbad, CA.   Gar and Marlyne enjoyed spending time with family and friends and traveling.  

Gar loved being with people. He was a master storyteller, told the best Ole and Lena jokes, and could introduce himself to anyone new with either a handshake or a hug.  Gar was a bright light everywhere he went, and his laugh was one-of-a-kind.

Gar is survived by his wife, Marlyne Christoffers; his children, Joe Sampson, Lisa (Gary) Enger; and Marlyne's children, Mike (Collette) Christoffers, Denelle (Paul) Dutton, Renae (Scott) Croy, and LuAnn (Mark) Glowacz; grandchildren, Jeremiah (Jara) Enger, Cody Sampson, Amber House, Emily, Jacob, Kevin, Bethany, and Alyssa Christoffers, Nicholas, Jensen and Ethan Wolff, Evan and Lucas Croy, Danny and Tyler Glowacz; great-grandchildren, Jemma Enger, Ashton, Atlys and Avelyn House; brother, Richard; sister, Margaret (Leroy) Lindsay; and brother-in-law, Tom Faultersack. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathleen; his parents, Redwin and Gertrude; grandchild, Bobby Christoffers; brothers, Kenneth, Raynce “Paul”; sisters, Betty Shouviller, and Joan Faultersack; and twin baby sisters, Bernice, and Ruth Sampson.

In lieu of flowers and cards, please donate to a charity of your choice. 

A visitation will be held for Gar on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 12 PM to 1 PM, in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead. His Memorial Service will start at 1 PM following the visitation. The memorial service will be live streamed and can be viewed on Gar’s obituary page at www.korsmofuneralservice.com. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead.

 Arrangements entrusted to Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead.

Online guestbook at: www.korsmofuneralservice.com.