Michael Sampels

Michael Lane Sampels Sr., 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home, on March 29, 2022, National Vietnam Veterans Day.

Mike was born on August 11, 1952, in Salem, Oregon. When he was just 17, Mike enlisted in the Army. Soon after boot camp and on his 18th birthday he was sent to Vietnam. Mike was a decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam War from 1971-1972. Mike earned many medals including an Air Medal of Valor for heroic acts that saved many lives.

After returning to the United States, he was stationed in Texas where he married his first wife and had his first child, Tina. After discharge from the military Mike and his family returned to Oregon to soon welcome his son, Michael Jr. Mike began working at James River paper mill. He worked in a state-of-the-art recycling plant where he did wastewater treatment and paper recycling. He worked for the company for 25 years.

In 1995, he married the love of his life, Wendy Avery Hansen. After his retirement, he returned to Oregon State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and a lifelong love for the Beavers. He served on the city council of Jefferson, Oregon from 2003-2009. He was a good man with a heart for the community. He was never afraid to speak his mind, defend what he cared for, and what he believed in. He was honest, funny, witty, and kind.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary (Boswell) and sister Cheryl. In addition to his wife Wendy, Mike leaves behind his children, daughter Tina DeLess (Chris), son Michael Jr. (Nikki), daughters by heart Melissa Palma (Rodrigo), and Melanie Strong (Jack). In addition, he leaves behind ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren

“In lieu of flowers please send donations to the following:

Jefferson Oregon Lions Club

PO Box 505

Jefferson, Oregon 97352