Richard Dean “Butch” Sampers, 82, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Red Oak, Iowa.

Butch was born on May 30, 1943, in rural Sac County, Iowa, the son of John and Lucille (Bauer) Sampers. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Schaller, Iowa. He graduated from Hayes High School in rural Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1961.

Butch originally attended Colorado State University with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. While in Colorado, he met Carl Soderberg, who not only employed Butch but also welcomed him as one of his family. Although he never became a veterinarian, Butch went on to graduate from Iowa State University in 1972 with a degree in Farm Operations. He married Connie Clause in 1973 in Schaller, IA. They began their life together in Coon Rapids, IA, and later lived in Guthrie Center, IA; then near Lusk, Wyoming; and finally in Red Oak, IA. They raised 5 wonderful children together.

He was a 4-H leader and a religious education teacher for many years. He loved teaching and sharing his way of life. Some of his greatest joys came from riding horses, raising cattle, playing cards, and having good conversations. He ended every day with a bowl of ice cream and cookies.

Above all, those who knew him will remember him most for his generosity and deep love for his family and faith as a lifelong Catholic. He started each day by saying a rosary with Mother Angelica then watching mass on EWTN. He will be missed by all who knew him, as he never knew a stranger. His home was open to all and he welcomed many extended family members, friends and foreign exchange students to live in the Sampers household over the years. Everyone who entered under his roof, he considered family.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Ronald Sampers; and his sisters: Janet Johnston and Rose Mary Sampers.

Butch is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Connie; their five children: Lora (Brian) Meyers of Sioux City, Iowa; Molly (Steve) Ferree of Red Oak, Iowa; Luke (Katie) Sampers of Milo, Iowa; John (Sara) Sampers of Lusk, Wyoming; and Teresa Sampers of Littleton, Colorado; twelve grandchildren; his brother, Jerry (Karen) Sampers of Schaller, Iowa; his sister, Nancy (Richard) Naberhaus of Schaller, Iowa; and his cousin, Michael Kraus of Red Oak, Iowa; sisters-in-law: Judy Clause of Sioux City, Iowa; Marie Smalley of Norfolk, Nebraska; Sharon Spangler and husband Stan of O’Neill, Nebraska; and Sandy Livingston and husband Craig of Canistota, South Dakota; and other relatives and many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Oak. Rosary will be held at 5 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026, at LeRette Funeral Chapel with visitation with the family to follow until 7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1510 Highland Ave, Red Oak, IA 51566, or to Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), 5817 Old Leeds Rd. • Irondale, AL 35210 in loving memory of Richard “Butch” Sampers.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.