Thomas Samsel

On May 1, 2020 Thomas James Samsel went home to his heavenly father. Thomas was born in Butte, MT on January 16, 1941 to Ethan and Marguerite Samsel, where he was the youngest of four children. Later, Thomas and his family moved to Baker, MT where Thomas attended and graduated high school. Thomas was very athletic and had a love for sports, he was both active in them and enjoyed being a spectator as well. He then went on to pursue a degree in Education at Carroll College and Eastern Montana College. Thomas was a passionate educator who also served as a mentor, a coach, and an advocate for all students. He touched many students' lives and formed life-long relationships. Thomas started his teaching career in Westby, MT where he met the love of his life, Aurlie Ekness. They got married on July 29, 1967 and spent 53 eventful and joyous years together. They were blessed with three beautiful, thoughtful, and accomplished children. Thomas was not only a father, but a hero in his children's eyes. Throughout his life, he taught them to follow their hearts and that every day is a gift from God. He was and continues to be their biggest fan. Thomas walked many miles pursuing his passion of “artifact” hunting with his wife, children, grandkids, and friends. He spent countless hours sharing stories about each and every one of these adventures. After retiring in 2003, Thomas looked forward to his mornings playing golf with his “Prior Creek” family. When not golfing, Thomas enjoyed taking his grandchildren on golf-cart rides, collecting hundreds of golf balls, and making pit-stops for popcorn. Thomas always made sure everyone knew how special his wife was and how much he loved her. They enjoyed spending time together and would go boating, camping, fishing, and spend countless hours doing yard work. Thomas was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son, and brother, and he will be dearly missed. We will be holding onto his memory by remembering his big brown eyes, his “Green Bay Packers” hat, his jokes, and his ability to light up every room he walked in. Surrounded by his family, Thomas died peacefully, with his wife honoring his last wishes of being at home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethan and Margeurite; his wife's parents, Idor and Julia; his brother, Jack; nephew, Jim; niece, Mary; brother-in-laws, Bob, Sandy, Delmer, Sherman, and Lyle; sister-in-laws, Barcia, Marlys, and Marion. He is survived by his wife, Aurlie; his sisters, Elaine and JoAnn; sister-in laws, Joyce (Idaho) and Joyce (North Dakota); brother-in-law, Allan; his children, Michelle (Leon), Tony (Heidi), Shauna (Tomi); grandchildren, Michael, Tyler, Alisha, Alyssa, Haylie, Jarrod, Summer, Madison, Cascade, and Samuel; great grandson, Landon; numerous nieces and nephews, and his best-pal, Bogie. Dahl Funeral Chapel will be live streaming the memorial service via Zoom on Wednesday May 6th at 11:00 AM. You may view the webcast below. The password is: samsel If you wish to sign up for Zoom, or have already done so, you may join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82763665289?pwd=aTVQc0EzMDIrSnZSTDZSVHJYc1lEdz09 If you do not wish to sign up for zoom, you may join at the link below(with limited functionality): https://success.zoom.us/wc/join/82763665289 Meeting ID: 827 6366 5289 Password: samsel The Graveside Service for Thomas Samsel will be live streamed to Zoom afterwards starting between 1:00 and 1:30 PM. You may view the webcast below. The password is: samsel If you wish to sign up for Zoom, or have already done so, you may join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82261085687?pwd=aTVQc0EzMDIrSnZSTDZSVHJYc1lEdz09 If you do not wish to sign up for zoom, you may join at the link below(with limited functionality): https://success.zoom.us/wc/join/82261085687 Meeting ID: 822-6108-5687 Password: samsel