Date of Birth:
Tuesday, August 15, 1944
Date of Death:
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Age:
72 years old

Ronald Fay Sample

The funeral for Ronald F. Sample will be at 11:00 AM Monday,  April 3, 2017 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Rochester with Pastor Brian Kom officiating.  Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. Visitation will be Sunday, April 2nd from 2:00 – 5:00 at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home and at the church one hour before the service.

Mr. Sample, 72 of Chatfield, MN died Wednesday,  March 29, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Ron was  born  August 15, 1944 in Rochester, to Katherine (Stewart) and Marvin  Sample.

He graduated from Chatfield High School in 1962.  After Graduation Ron joined the US Navy  in 1964 and was immediately sent to Viet Nam.  He spent four years on the aircraft carrier, USS Bon Hom Richard. He was honorably discharged in March of 1968.  He then attended Rochester Vocational School and received his Building Utilities Management degree.  Over the years he worked for Clements Chevrolet, Rochester Public Schools, Eyota Public school, Chatfield Public Schools and Rochester as Maintenance Technician and Boiler operator, until he built his own towing company (Chatfield Towing) for 23 years before retiring in 2000.
In 1969 he married Linda (Klaehn) at St. Johns Lutheran Church,  Elkton, MN.  The couple lived in Rochester for five years before moving to Chatfield in 1975. They remained in Chatfield until his death.

Survivors include two children, a daughter Ronda (Phillip) Fishbaugher II of Chatfield and son, Michael (Dawn) of Rochester. Five grandchildren,  Phillip III (Brittney), Carter and Jorja Fishbaugher. Daylon and Isaiah Sample.  One Great Grandson, Ryker.   He had three sisters, Sharon Brasher, Kathleen McAllister of  Byron, Barbara Olson of Rochester and special niece and nephew Sarah Jimenez and Scott Olson.  He is preceded in death by both of his parents and one sister.

Ron loved everything about cars.  He loved racing stockcars,  NASCAR, his many collectibles and his car clubs he belonged to over the years.  In the early years he loved fishing, and camping with his family. He loved helping people out, especially his family.  He loved to see his family come for holidays.  He most enjoyed his “Malt Shop Music”, going to 50’s and 60’s concerts and collecting Tee Shirts from them.

He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and all of their accomplishments.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .