Douglas Samuelson

Douglas Arvid Samuelson, 62, of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2015 in Lincoln. Visitation will be 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 2015 at Roper and Sons Funeral Services (4300 ‘O’ St., Lincoln, NE), and beginning at 12:00 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (501 Park St., Bancroft, NE) in Bancroft, with funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Monday; with Pastor Philip Hale officiating. Burial will be in the Bancroft Cemetery in Bancroft. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE. Doug was born April 29, 1953 to Arvid, Jr. and Imogene (Burhoop) Samuelson in Pender, NE. He was baptized June 7, 1953 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bancroft, NE and confirmed June 1967 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church rural Wakefield, NE. Doug graduated from Wakefield High School in 1971 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in 1975. While in college, he was a member of Beta Sigma Psi fraternity. Doug married Wilma Oberdieck August 16, 1975 in Nebraska City, NE. The couple later divorced. Following graduation from UNL, he began working for KMMJ Radio in Grand Island, NE. His commitment to service and outgoing personality led to his election to the Grand Island City Council from 1997-2000. He later moved to Lincoln where he was elected to the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District Board in 2004. He served as Chairman of the Board from 2012 - 2013, and was currently in his third consecutive term. He also worked for the State of Nebraska Tourism Commission, and the State Capital Building, which allowed him to share his knowledge and passion for Nebraska history. In 2003, Doug became the Public Address Announcer for Husker Wrestling, a position which he held until his passing. In May 2014, he accepted a position in Guest Relations and Security with the University of Nebraska where he was able to combine his love for sports, the University, and connecting with people. In addition, he spent many evenings umpiring area American Legion and high school baseball games. Most of all, Doug loved to spend time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Doug is survived by his mother, Imogene Samuelson of Wakefield, NE; sons, Eric (Brandy) Samuelson of Omaha, NE, Casey Samuelson of Omaha, NE; brother, Galen (Amy) Samuelson of Wakefield, NE, five grandchildren, Taylor, Ethan, Kaylee, Caden, and Elynn; niece, Brianna; nephews, Caleb and Dawson; and many aunts and uncles. Doug is preceded in death by his father, Arvid “Sonny” Samuelson, Jr.; brother, Brian Samuelson, grandparents; and aunts and uncles.