Paul John Samo

Paul John Samo, age 57, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024, in Legacy Cottage at Creekside in Grundy Center, Iowa. Memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center, Iowa. Inurnment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the family. 

Paul was born on August 8, 1966, to Jack and Jackie (Walbaum) Samo in Grundy Center. He attended Grundy Center High School, graduating in 1985. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Wartburg College in 1989 graduating with honors. Paul continued on his journey of becoming a physician and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in May of 1993 and completed the psychiatry residency program in 1997.

On August 6, 1988, Paul married Jody Crisman, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Grundy Center. After completing his education, he started his career at Rice Clinic Psychiatry in Stevens Point, Wisconsin from 1997 - 2004, where he was highly respected by patients and staff for his knowledge, compassion, and commitment to his profession. Paul and Jody moved back to their hometown of Grundy Center in July of 2004, where he joined Blackhawk Grundy Mental Health Center in Waterloo, Iowa, where he practiced until his diagnosis of Parkinsons in 2008.

Paul dearly loved his family. He had many hobbies and enjoyed many of God’s creations. He was happiest out in nature, especially growing up on the farm where he raised Simmental cattle in addition to many other animals. He loved football, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes. Paul will forever be a vital part of Nolan and Eli’s lives as so much of his presence can be seen in them and the men they are today. There are so many memories that will forever be engrained in our minds of happy times shared together. Paul was lucky to be loved by his parents who showed him through their actions how to love and be a good man.

Paul is survived by his sons Nolan Samo (Maggie McGee) of Ames, Iowa, Eli Samo (Liz Sprangel) of St. Paul, Minnesota and their mother Jody Samo of West Des Moines; Jackie Samo, his mother and longtime caregiver, Grundy Center; brother Shawn (Rhonda) Samo of Holland; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Jack Samo of Grundy Center; paternal grandparents Carl and Marian Samo of Grundy Center; maternal grandparents Fred Walbaum of Grundy Center and Diane Walbaum of Wellsburg; and other loved family members.