David Rudolph Samuelson, 78, of Falun, Kansas, died on January 23, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with Lymphoma. He was born on October 4,1946, in Westmoreland, KS, to Harry and Eunice (Duell) Samuelson, the first of 6 children.

His faith and church life were very important to him. He was baptized on November 3, 1946, in Olsburg, KS, and was confirmed in his faith on September 18, 1960, at Grace Lutheran Church in Osage City, KS. Always finding a church to call home wherever he lived, he was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina, KS, and Christ Lutheran Church, Niantic, CT, among others. He was very dedicated to his Lord, serving as an Elder and Stephen Minister, visiting shut-ins, leading Bible studies, and even singing in the choir. He was called to serve God and his neighbor in any way he could and he took that role seriously. David was always interested in learning and figuring out how to do things.

He graduated from Reading High School in Reading, KS, as valedictorian in 1964 and then attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1968, majoring in mathematics and excelling in academics throughout his studies. He began his career as an officer in the naval submarine force after attending Submarine School in Groton, CT. He earned graduate degrees in Engineering Economic Systems and Operations Research at Stanford University through the Navy’s Burke Scholar Program. He served on the USS Grenadier, the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Dwight D Eisenhower Aircraft Carrier. After his naval career, he went to work for a research and development company, Sonalysts, in Waterford, CT where they appreciated and utilized his ability to lead and manage. Thus, retiring after 33 years, he ended his career as Technical Director, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary.

On April 9, 1994, he married Ann (Breymann) McIntosh at Christ Lutheran Church, Niantic, CT. They made their home in North Stonington, CT, for many years, together enjoying several trips to Europe, a trip to New Zealand, Israel, and a hike down the Grand Canyon. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. David made friends easily everywhere he went and always had a heart for listening and telling stories. He had many hobbies and interests including bee keeping, gardening and wood working. He loved backyard bird watching, setting up many bird feeders around the yard. Upon retiring in 2012, he enjoyed taking care of his rural property and, in an effort to serve his community and get to know his neighbors better, he sang in both the annual Messiah festival and the Smoky Valley Men’s Chorus in Lindsborg; served on various boards including the Sandzen Art Gallery and the rural water district; and worked as an election official in Saline County.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Ann Samuelson of Falun, KS; sister, Mary (Larry) Ehrlich of Oshkosh, WI; brother, Gary (Lisa) Samuelson of Marshfield, MO; sister, Ruth (Samuel) Mulari of Minneapolis, MN; first wife, Catherine (Evans) Samuelson and their sons Seth Samuelson and Isaac Samuelson of Las Vegas, NV; stepson, Alan (Lauren) McIntosh of Bryan, TX; stepdaughter, Elizabeth (Daniel) Jabs of Hastings, NE; son-in-law, Stephan Podosek of Odessa, FL. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren whom he adored, Morgan and Dublin Podosek; Abby, Hannah, and Julia Jabs; and Susannah McIntosh; along with many extended family members and friends. His kindness, wisdom, and generosity will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by two infant siblings Daniel and Jeanne, his parents, his adult daughter Amy, and infant daughter Ann.

Visitation and the memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina, KS with visitation at 10:00am, service at 11:00, and a luncheon in the fellowship hall following the service. A family gathering for the interment will be held the day before, on Friday, February 14, in Olsburg, KS, at the Mariadahl Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina, KS or The American Cancer Society.