John Samsel

You could hear him bellowing Polish songs in the kitchen as he whipped up his famous chicken soup and apple pie. There was nothing like spending time with John Samsel-- he would feed you, sing you a song and make you laugh until your sides hurt. He was a great West-sider: full of life, love and spirit.

John Samsel was born on November 26, 1913 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Walter and Mary (Sklepinski) Samsel. The new parents were Polish immigrants who came to America seeking a better life. While Walter and Mary were bringing home their bundle of joy to their house on 1017 Butterworth St. NW, the country was engaged in historical changes to the constitution and in our culture.

During 1913 the Sixteenth amendment was passed and allowed Congress to levy a personal income tax, changing earnings of Americans to this day. The US Department of Labor was founded from demands of the nations leading union, the American Federation of Labor, and tobacco received a boost when R.J. Reynolds sold its first cigarettes under the brand name Camel.

John was a West-sider who enjoyed growing up with siblings Stanley, Walter and Sophie. Their home was lively and everyone spoke Polish which is typical of the West side in Grand Rapids. Many of the men in that part of town worked in the plaster mines and his father was one of them. John’s mother stayed home and took care of the children.

John’s life was good and he attended Sacred Heart of Jesus School during elementary years. He was athletic and enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and even wrestling as a sparring partner for a semi-pro team. Even though he was considered short compared to his six-foot plus brothers, it never slowed him down. John was stocky and muscular and an avid sportsman. It was at Union High School that one of John’s biggest strengths showed. After the 10th grade when he left school and sports to work and support his family.

Although he chose to leave school and work, he didn’t leave his love of entertainment and adventure far behind. John spent many hours fishing, hunting and even performing in a local Polish vaudeville group at Polish halls. He worked in a bakery and a theatre as well.

John’s life was busy and happy but a sad day came when his father died from working in the plaster mines. He was diagnosed with “White Lung Disease” a common illness of the plaster mine workers. Fortunately, his mother lived until her 80’s and was able to see John’s life blossom as an adult.

It was during a dance at St. Hyacinth Hall that John met Theresa Kozal the woman who would change his life. John and a group of the Sacred Heart boys gathered up their nerve to walk over to a group of pretty St. Adalbert Girls and they spent the evening getting acquainted. John and Theresa made a special bond.

The two dated for almost a year and then joined their hearts forever at St. Adalbert’s Church on August 3, 1936. Even though John wanted to elope he gave in because his love, Theresa, wanted a big church wedding. Although there was no honeymoon a beautiful reception followed at St. Hyacinth Hall (also known as 9th St. Hall). It was not unusual at this time for couples to marry and not have a honeymoon. In 1936 over one third of Americans were living below the poverty line.

During this era President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was re-elected President and the country was watching as Joe DiMaggio joined the New York Yankees and helped them to win the World Series over the New York Giants.

The newlyweds moved in with Theresa’s parents for several years and gave birth to their first son, James. Their second son, Ron was born later however; both boys were born at home!

Eventually the family bought the home next door to Teresa’s grandmother and they lived there for several years. The family loved to vacation at Lake Mitchell in Cadillac, MI each year. Lots of happy times were spent relaxing and fishing with extended family. John loved to eat the summer foods: hamburgers, pasta salad and Kielbasa. He also enjoyed his 45 records and loved to play them on his Hi-Fi.

John loved his family and worked hard to support them. He worked at Doehler Jarvis as talented die setter and armor palter during WWII. This talent was a blessing as it kept him from the draft. He worked for over 40 years with the company and retired at the age of 59.

Later John built a home on Larkspur that he filled with the things he loved to collect like old coins. He had a knack for finding and keeping paper money with all odd or all even serial numbers printed on them. He was also a member at several west side halls including 9th St., 6th St., 5th St., and the Sacred Heart Club. Some of his favorite times were spending the holidays with the family and grandchildren at Christmas. John was a thrifty shoper who knew his prices at the grocery store, and would travel to several stores if knew he could save a dime on any item.

In 2001 he moved in near Jim and Sandy in Gowen, MI. However, last August John discovered a growth on his scalp that was malignant. He endured 24 chemotherapy treatments but even in the face of cancer and the pain, he still laughed and joked right to the end. He remained positive and was making plans for the future. John peacefully passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital Monday evening.

John touched the lives of many and although we may get through the sadness of this loss with time, our hearts will forever whisper: Tesknie za Toba.

John Samsel, 90, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Monday evening, February 2, 2004 at St. Mary’s Mercy Medical Center after a recent struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Theresa Samsel (Kozal), his children, James and Sandra Samsel, Ronald and Joan Samsel; three grandchildren, Michael, Justin (Melody) and Timothy (Nancy) Samsel; his great-grand daughter, Amber Nicole Samsel; 4 step grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren; his sister Sophie Samsel, many nieces and nephews and many friends. John was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Samsel, and his brothers, Walter and Stanley. John was a member of Basilica of St. Adalbert Catholic Church where the funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday morning at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet his family at Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM with the rosary prayed at 7:30 PM. Please go to John’s website www.lifstorynet.com where you can read his life story, order flowers or make contributions in his memory to Van Andel Institute for Cancer Research.

John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and a friend to all who knew him. He will be missed.