Kathryn Samuelson

Kathryn Marie (Bauer) Samuelson

September 5, 1946 – March 15, 2025

Kathryn Marie Samuelson, known to most as Kathy, passed peacefully on March 15, 2025, in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, leaving behind a legacy of love, learning, and laughter. Born on September 5, 1946, in Benkelman, Nebraska, she spent much of her life in Lincoln before returning to her roots in Benkelman in later years. Though her address changed, her genuine warmth and unwavering kindness remained constant.

Kathy earned her undergraduate degree in English from Doane University in Crete, Nebraska, before pursuing a master’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska. A lifelong educator until her final days, she spent decades shaping young minds—though, she would admit, she often learned just as much from her students as they did from her. She had the heart of a teacher, the patience of a saint, and a sense of humor to match.

Kathy and her husband, Charles, raised their four children in Milford, Nebraska, before relocating to Lincoln in 1988. She continued raising her children there, balancing love, laughter, and the general chaos of four children with grace. Later, she and Charles moved to Benkelman to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Gweneth (Tresidder) and Marvin Dale Bauer, and her beloved husband, Charles L. Samuelson.

Kathy is survived by her sister Susan (Bauer) Reber; her nephew Michael Lee Reber (Kaila) and their children Camden, Crü, and Nora; and her four children, Karla Ligenza (Thomas), Charles Paul Samuelson (Annie), Eric Samuelson (Jewell), and Timothy Samuelson (Laura). Her 13 grandchildren—Gavin Fusco (Carly), Rachel Delp (Spencer), Amanda Ligenza, Samantha Ligenza, Tomee Ligenza, Kimberly Ligenza, Dennis Samuelson, Dale Samuelson, Kip Samuelson, Weston Samuelson, Theodore Samuelson, Arthur Samuelson, and Gweneth Samuelson—along with her four great-grandchildren. They will forever cherish the wisdom, laughter, and unwavering support she provided.

Kathy’s life was one well-lived: an avid reader, a skilled pianist, a world traveler, and a fierce Bridge player (if you ever partnered with her, you knew better than to trump her ace). Coffee was an extremely important part of her life! She was a devoted mother, a woman of faith, and a friend to all those fortunate enough to cross her path in life. Her optimism was contagious, her kindness boundless, and her ability to find humor in everyday moments was unmatched. She held dear her many cousins and lifelong friends as a source of joy, comfort, and support.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held on June 28, 2025, at 11 AM at the Methodist Church in Milford, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations toward a memorial bench in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado—a place close to Kathy’s heart, where she found peace and joy and created countless family memories.

Though she may no longer be physically with us, Kathy’s love, wisdom, and laughter will echo in the hearts of those who knew her.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com.