Joe Sampson

Leo Joseph "Joe" Sampson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and devoted pet lover, passed away peacefully at his family home on Friday, August 21, 2026. He was 84 years old. Joe was born on July 4, 1942, in Macomb, Michigan. During his high school years, he moved to Kentucky, where he met the love of his life, Wanda. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, friendship, and countless memories. They eventually returned to Michigan, where Joe worked for many years as an appliance repairman before retiring. Retirement, however, was not quite Joe's idea of a good time. Being the active person he was, he soon found a new calling as the manager of Windyhill Campground. What began as a job became a wonderful chapter of his life, and Joe happily worked there for more than 20 years. During his time at Windyhill, he made countless friends and formed bonds with people he came to consider family. He loved the campground, the people, and the many memories made there. Joe enjoyed the simple things that made life special: spending time with his family and friends, being surrounded by his beloved pets, and tending to his yard and all of his flowers. He had a way of making people feel welcome and was happiest when he was surrounded by the people and things he loved. Joe leaves behind his wife, Wanda; his three children, Joy Sampson, Petti Sampson, and Mary (Jay) Helzer; his brother, Ernie (Jane)Sampson; brother-in-law, Bob (Barbard) Macdougall; grandsons Richie Kaminski, John "The Walrus" Helzer, and Patrick Helzer; daughter-in-law Tonyia Kaminski; and four great-grandchildren, Kaylee Sue, Logan Joseph, Alexis Virginia, and Allison Grace. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends who were family in every way that mattered. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Macdougall and Lucille (Frank) Rucha. In keeping with Joe's final wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, his family invites those who knew and loved him to join them for a Celebration of Life-a time to share stories, remember the good times, and celebrate the wonderful life Joe lived. The celebration will be held at one of Joe's favorite places, Lighthouse County Park, Pavilion #2, 7320 Lighthouse Road, Port Hope, Michigan 48468 on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from noon until 3:00 p.m. It will be a casual beach picnic, with food and drinks provided by the family. Family and friends are encouraged to come as they are and bring their favorite memories and stories of Joe. Joe would not want sadness to be the focus. He would want people together, laughing, telling stories, enjoying one another's company, and remembering all the good times. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe's memory to the Michigan Humane 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 ~ www.michiganhumane.org Joe will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever a part of the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Joe Sampson

July 4, 1942 - August 21, 2026