
Joseph Lee Samsa, at the age of 60 years, 11 months, and 21 days, went home to be with Jesus on the morning of December 18, 2023. He completed his race and is now looking into the face of his Heavenly Father. His Celebration of Life will be held at New Hope Community Church in Cambridge, MN on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Visitation will be from 5:30-6:30 where we will have his favorite dessert treats and hot chocolate, then the service will begin at 6:30. There would be no better way to celebrate his birthday than honoring his life and legacy.

Joseph Samsa was born on December 27, 1962 in Marinette, Wisconsin to Roger and Pearl (Larshied) Samsa. He attended high school in Lena, Wisconsin. As a country boy through and through he enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing sports. His stature and hard work ethic led him to become an all state football player and an undefeated, two time state champion wrestler. On New Years of his senior year he made a decision that changed his life forever; he surrendered his life to Jesus. From that moment on, his greatest desire in life was to share the love of Jesus with everyone he came in contact with. He graduated from high school in 1981.
After high school, he felt the Lord calling him to attend Jimmy Swaggart Bible College to pursue pastoral ministry. There he met his beautiful wife, Doreen. He took one look into her big, brown eyes and fell in love immediately. Doreen took more convincing. But his mom always told him, “A faint heart never won a fair maiden.” Between the muscles and the motorcycle, it didn’t take too long before she was swept off her feet. Joseph and Doreen received life changing premarital counseling with Larry Summers that would shape their marriage for the years to come. They were married on August 2, 1986 and their love continued to grow with each passing year.
After college, Joseph took his first ministry position as Youth Pastor in Whittier, CA at Palm View Assemblies of God. It would not be long before Joseph was asked to take on the role of Associate Pastor, and serve alongside his father in law, Senior Pastor Isaac Gonzales. During these years of ministry their love would continue to grow, and the first product of their love would come on October 18th, 1990 with the birth of their first son, Joseph Aaron Samsa, little guy. More love filled their home, and as it grew, so did their family. Their first bouncing baby girl arrived on July 17, 1993, Samantha Ashlee Samsa, his princess. Their second born son, Joshua Caleb Samsa would join the family on June 30th, 1997, his Joshie. All his pride and joy in one name. Then, on April 26th 2001 their family would be complete with the birth of their daughter, Shiri Carleen Samsa, his sweet baby girl. Of all the titles and roles Joseph held throughout his life, his favorite and most cherished was being a dad to his four amazing children. Joseph regarded his role as Dad with honor and reverence, and knew his prayers over the lives were crucial. Joseph prayed specifically over their futures, including future spouses and children. The prayers would be answered in the family additions of a precious daughter in law Esther wedded to Joseph Aaron, and tender hearted son-in-law, “Noah, or whom he affectionately called “Noahlinksi” to Shiri Carleen. He held them with high regard and deep appreciation and love. Joe and Esther would bring two more additions, that would give him a new favorite role and title, the one of Grandpa to Arthur Finnely Samsa and Harvey Jasper Samsa.
Eventually, Joseph would take the position of Senior Pastor. His ministry at Palm View Assemblies of God spanned over 18 years. During these years he would be used by God to touch countless lives through his prayers, messages, and presence. Towards the end of these years, God gave Joseph a dream in which He would call him to ministry in Minnesota. After much prayer and discernment, Joseph and Doreen followed the Lord’s leading and their obedience led their family of six to Cambridge, MN in the Summer of 2004. It was here that they joined Pastor Vern and Mary in establishing Word of Life Ministries. For over ten years, he loved serving alongside his sister and brother in law and watching the church grow.
After his ministry service at Word of Life, Joseph would go on to join the Grace Gospel church family. This was a significant moment guided by the Lord as he had impressed upon Joseph’s heart that his children Joseph and Shiri were to lead worship together. This would come to pass as Joe and Shiri both serve and lead in worship together at Grace. He would develop a close relationship with Senior Pastor Tom Porta and through their time spent together, Pastor Tom would come to rely on Joseph as a trusted leader and deep friend. Joseph became known as a strong pillar of Grace Gospel church and his influence will continue to ripple throughout the body for years to come.
While serving at Grace, Joseph took a position with Lincare and God would use him mightily here as its own kind of ministry field. Joseph’s shepherd heart would lead him to care for his patients beyond just the basic demands of the job. He would often be known to go out of his way whenever they needed him, even if this meant driving a far distance or driving late at night. He would often talk to them about the great love of Jesus and would pray with them. His life demonstrates how we are all ministers of the gospel, with or without a title.
Joseph will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Doreen; four children, Joe (Esther) Samsa, Samantha Samsa, Joshua Samsa, and Shiri (Noah) Peterson; grandchildren Arthur and Harvey; parents, Roger and Pearl; four siblings, Mike (Sharon) Samsa, Mary (Vern) Peltz, Kim (Bob) Wessel, and Roger Samsa; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Isaac and Cecilia Gonzales, and by many other relatives and friends.
So much to share….the Knox Family came to know Jesus because God chose to use Joseph as a Wrestling Coach at Cal High. We first knew him as Coach Joseph….we didn’t even know he was youth Pastor. But soon learned because Joseph always was sharing Jesus and asking us to come to church. We did and we accepted Jesus into our lives and we have never been the same….in such a good way. We became close friends with all of the family . So many memories and stories of life at Palm View Church.
This was heartbreaking for us to learn of his passing. Of course, Doreen and all of the family is in our hearts and our prayers. Our lives were changed because Joseph stepped out and went into the field to serve, love and bring in the lost ones.
That wrestling group still stays in touch with one another and has a special love for Joseph and Doreen.
I know Joseph heard…”Well done good and faithful servant.” when he arrived Home.
Gone but never forgotten….
We love you Doreen and all the family and Ceci and Isaac.
Thank you Joe for being my friend over the years and having some great talks with me.
So many have been blessed by your life’s witness, ministry, and friendship.
You never failed to greet me with a smile and words of encouragement.
The only thing more incredible than your life? That embrace you gave Jesus and the one you received from the Father!
Our family will never forget the way Joe took us in and cared for us as lovingly as a father would. We will love him forever.
First of all this book – box is not big enough to write all my wonderful memories of you Joe – Joseph!
1. My first motorcycle ride – going to LSU! So much fun.
2. The Thanksgiving “neck” discussion where we teamed up against Doreen & Kathy
3. The PBJ sandwich Doreen packed for your lunch while you were working construction!
4. The various flannel shirts you had when you arrived to JSBC. Cool
5. When the earthquake hit while working at the office at Palm View. We both sprinted to help the children in preschool and got stuck in the doorway! How we laughed!
6. You taught me about the new computer “DOS” base program. ” You need to learn this system. It’s the new future.”
7. Planning Missionary Day. You let me take the lead but were so supportive!
8. Saying bye to Bro Daily as he took his last breath in that nursing home. We both cried and embraceed. I’m sure he was one of the many who greeted you as you crossed over Jordan!
9. “Did you just drive my kids around in back of your pick up truck?????”. My response: Yes and they enjoyed it! You just shook your head.
11. How wonderful it was when I went to see you all for the first in Minnesota. You and Doreen picked me up at the airport and all long you were pointing out the sights of your new found land.
10. Our last conversation via Skype keeps ringing in my ears! “When am I going to see you again Orpha Rooch? You need to come back to visit us.” So many more countless of awesome memories that my mind and heart carry!!!!
Well Joe the next time I see I will expect a Heavenly Embrace with your new decked out body!!!!!
Thank you for your Godly example, wisdom and care you bestowed upon me during your earthly journey. Deeply appreciate the impact you had on my life!!!!!!
One of my fondest memories of “Big Joe” (as we called him) was of a karaoke night we had at our house years ago. He sang a rendition of Jud Strunk’s “Daisy a Day” to his wife, Doreen. It struck my eleven year old self as so beautiful that I would remember the song for years afterwards, and it would grow to be one of my favorites. I think this lyric says it all:
“I’ll love you until the rivers run still, and the four winds we know blow away.”
Doreen, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Joseph! So many memories flood my mind from our JSBC days. Especially spending time with the Neal family. Oh how they loved all of us. Joe was the epitome of a prince of a husband, and I have no doubt he loved and led his children well. I love you Doreen! May God grant you His peace in the days ahead. If you ever need anything, I’m here.
Thank you for your leadership and example of what a godly man is supposed to be. It was an honor to serve as the Youth Pastor at Palm view Assembly Of God as you took on the Associate Pastor. As a believer there is the Hope that we have and that is being absent from the body is to be present with The Lord and it being me comfort knowing that is exactly where you are. I will keep ur family in my prayers. Until WE meet again❤️
One of my most fondest memories of Joseph was watching him worship and leading us to join him. He loved a song by Keith Green titled
” Oh Lord you’re beautiful ” tears would stream down his face with that song as if only he and his Lord were the only ones in the sanctuary. I always thought there was only one verse to it until Joseph taught me there was more to it.
The following verse describes Joseph’s heart and ministry. He is now face to face singing this song to our Lord with full unspeakable joy. Joseph you’ve been promoted to glory. Job well done sweet brother, pastor & friend.
Verse:
“I wanna to take Your word and shine it all around
But first help me to just to live it, Lord
And when I’m doing well
Help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You”
Doreen kids entire Samsa family and Pastor & Cec. We love you and are holding you up in prayer now and in the days and months ahead.
Joseph, we cannot wait to join you. Thank you so much.
Fondly,
Jerry and Kathy Alston
Joseph, I met you before you married your lovely bride Doreen so many years ago. You were a welcomed addition to the ministry team at Palm View Assembly of God in Whittier. I really loved serving with you with the youth group and the junior high Ministry. There have been countless amazing memories of you preaching and teaching. And of course all the fun times we had at youth camps with the kids that we still keep in touch with. You have made an impact on so many people’s lives and led so many to the Lord. I learned so much from you about life, living, serving, praying, believing and loving. I am sure I am just one of thousands of people whose life you have touched. I know that you will keep watch over your family in heaven. You have left such a strong and powerful Legacy for the ministry of the Lord to carry on. We don’t know why such amazing people as yourself are taken from this world at a younger age however God knows. I know your family will always be under the wings of our Savior and He will keep them, guide them, comfort them, and give them peace in the midst of the storm. We love you Joseph.
I remember one time in Camp when my young sons went with us, Anthony was climbing a rock and all the sudden heard a rattlesnake. Your quick thinking guided him back to safety. I know you saved his life that day and I really thank you and love you for that.
Thank you for loving me and my family and for being such a huge impact on us. You will totally be missed, but I know we will all meet together in the Sweet By and By, We shall meet on that beautiful Shore.
Love and prayers to Doreen and family. We love you dearly.
Margie, Anthony, Craig, and Rocco.
I have beautiful memories of Pastor Joseph as a teenager growing up in the youth group at Palmview. He would call me “Marishka” instead of Marissa. If he gave you a nickname, you felt special…. But in reality he made all of us feel special.
He would be humming a song or hymn all the time…
Oh how he must be singing his heart out now before Jesus …
Thank you, Pastor Joseph for the impact you made on my life as you have made on so many others.
My prayers and heart goes out to the entire Samsa and Gonzalez Family.
Our Memories of Pastor Joseph Lee Samsa.
Pastor Joseph was a man of God, and loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all of his heart, and it showed. He loved his family with that same passion.
The first time I saw him, he came to a men’s bible study & breakfast at Palm View Assembly of God. He had rode his motorcycle out to California from, Jimmy Swaggart Bible College, in Louisiana, to see Doreen over the Thanksgiving holiday. He was tall and thin, wearing a flannel shirt and I think a leather jacket.
Another memory is at a missionary day, and we both wore Scottish costumes, kilts and all! We made quite a pair.
He had a good middle name, just like mine. We were part of the Lee family!
I remember him as Senior Pastor of Palm View, and he was always so supportive of me, and treated me like a father figure. I had the pleasure of being on the board during all of his time as Senior Pastor. He pretty much gave me full control of the Missions and visitation departments. He was not afraid of allowing someone else to be over areas. He knew how to delegate responsibilities.
I have many more treasured memories of laughter and praying together as we saw God move in amazing ways. He will definitely be missed. Doreen and all of the family will continue to be in our prayers.
Norm & Vi Price
My heart goes out to the Samsa family – especially you Doreen. You and Joseph were such a blessing to me during my time there in Palm View Assembly. I will always remember Joseph as being a quiet giant of man; so soft spoken, kind, caring and watching out of the flock. He was an encouragement and inspiration to me, as you are Doreen. My prayers are that your hearts will be comforted in the sweet memories you recall as the days go along; be lifted up, be at peace, love from Kathryn (Molly) and I – Marie Zamudio
Sounds like he was an outstanding man. And yes, I’m sure he brought many people to the Lord by shining his light.
Love and prayers sent to his family and friends.
Palm view was a great place full of memories and the Samsa family was a great Family. I will always remember Joseph as a great family man who loved his family and ministry. My prayers to Dooren the kids and Isaac and Cecci great people. Love you guys. Javier and Mona Reyes
Our hearts and prayers go out to Doreen, Pastor Isaac and CeCe and the Samsa family.
We knew Pastor Joseph from Palm View many years ago. God Bless you all. Our sincere Sympathy. Heaven gain a beautiful angel.
Love, Joe&Diane Duran
Joseph was my youth pastor at Palm View Assembly of God and I will always remember him fondly! He and Doreen set such a beautiful example of a young married couple, loving the Lord with all their heart !
Joseph was my pastor all through high school and when I went to college I still thought of him as my pastor, so when the college group needed a bus driver to take us to Mexicali to build houses I called on my pastor and he went above and beyond to help our group!! Wow he was a mighty servant of God and I am forever thankful for the years of my life that he touched!
Now as a parent to young adults, who have grown up in youth group, I can see how their lives have been impacted by their youth pastors and I can’t help but see God’s Providence all over each of us!!
Thank you Doreen for sharing your young marriage and family, (I only knew your sweet little toddlers Joseph and Samantha), with me. You and Joseph made a lasting and loving impression on my heart! And I pray for the God of hope to fill your hearts and renew your strength as you continue to trust in Him❤️❤️❤️
Doreen and kids (esp Sam) I didn’t know Joe, but I spent many hours watching our mutual kids (I’m mom to Rocelle, Ryan, Raymond, and Richard Anderson) on the sports fields and working alongside you in the concession stand.
I am so sorry for your loss, much too young!
Jane and Roger Anderson