Robert Samsen

Robert Eugene Samsen, age 93, of Genoa, Ohio passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo, Ohio, He was born on February 15, 1929 in Clay Center, Ohio to Walter and Mabel (Widmer) Samsen.

During his high school years at Genoa High School, he was an outstanding football player, leading his team to back-to-back Ottawa County championships in 1945 & 1946 including an undefeated season in 1945. He was awarded an athletic scholarship to Purdue University but unfortunately his football career was cut short when he contracted polio after his freshman year. He graduated with a degree in Aviation Management.

Bob returned to his hometown after graduation and purchased (with the help of his father) a furniture/mortician business in 1952 from the Burman family and began Samsen Furniture, which is still operated today by family members.

He was a member of the Masons, Genoa Trinity United Methodist Church, loved to travel domestically and abroad. At one time he and his wife, Joan, enjoyed a residence in Florida to escape the Midwest winters.

Bob enjoyed cigars, a good martini, jazz music of most any kind and a good meal with friends and family. He worked hard to grow the furniture business and at one time had 3 locations in the Toledo area.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Joan; children, Gerald R. (Karen), Patricia E. (Chester) Skwarcan, Douglas (Sondra) and Martha Thornberry; grandchildren, Katie Samsen, Carrie Samsen, Megan (Justin) Herald, Andrew Samsen, Amy (Brad) Worland, Aaron (Rachael) Skwarcan, Brian Samsen, Brett (Clara) Samsen, Brad Samsen, Ellen Thornberry, Clara Thornberry and Liv Thornberry. Robert is also survived by 10 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter & Mabel, sister, Phyllis (Dean) Wood, Walter “Jack” (Nan) Samsen and infant sister, Mary J. Samsen.

A special thank-you for those home-aids that were so vital in talking care of Bob; Marylyn, Sharon, Mary, and Tina. Your care and compassion were God sent. Also, to Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their unmatched service.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-8:00 pm on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home, 501 West Street, Genoa, Ohio. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, June 6, 2022 at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 313 Main Street, Genoa, Ohio with interment to follow at Clay Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ottawa County Humane Society. Online condolences may be shared at www.walkerfunrealhomes.com