Albert Samuel “Sam” Johnson, age 91, of Hudson, Wi died Friday, January 5, 2024, at his home with his wife and daughter by his side. He was born October 4, 1932, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the son of Albert and Orma Johnson. Sam was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation. He and his three younger brothers, Martin, Raymond, and John kept their parents busy with their mischievous antics.

Sam attended Ponca City Schools, graduating from Po-Hi in 1951. He was active in scouting, little league sports, pow wows, motorcycle racing and his church. After high school graduation he served in the US Army until 1953. He attended Oklahoma A & M, graduating with an AA degree in drafting.

1957 was a remarkably busy year for Sam! He married the love of his life, Joyce Diane Penisten, started his career at Conoco Oil and welcomed his “favorite daughter” Teresa (Teri) into the world.

During his 36 years at Conoco as a refinery engineer, he was extremely proud of the two US Patents he held. He made many lifelong friends there. Many people said he knew that refinery like the back of his hand.

Sam was highly active in his church life. He led several youth groups to summer camps, taught youth and adult Sunday School classes, served on most every committee at one time or another, served as lay leader, usher, and anything else that was asked of him.

Sam was a man of many talents. He spent many years at the ballpark umpiring little league baseball games. He loved all music, playing guitar and being a writer for the Taste and Tasteless productions in Ponca City. He started the mini triathlon that was held at Lake Ponca for many years. He loved entering barbecue contests with friends and one year won the Oklahoma State Chili Cook-Off.

Sam learned to whittle from his father. After his retirement he honed that skill and became an excellent woodcarver. His specialty was Santas and Native Americans but would carve almost anything someone suggested. His carvings are the pride and joy of many of his family and friends.

In 2003 Sam and Joyce packed up all their belongings and moved to Hudson, Wi to be closer to Teri and their grandsons Eric and Jeff. He once again became active in his church, served on his homeowner association board, joined several wood carving groups, and made many new friends.

Sam had a very deep faith in God, loved his family (whether blood related or not!), and accepted everyone for who they were. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face and a joke to share.

His family would like to give a special thank you to Sam’s doctors and Interim Health and Hospice Care.

Sam is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Joyce Johnson; daughter Teri Peterson (Casey Dawson); brother Martin Johnson; brother-in-law Glenn Penisten (Lou Newman); sister- in-law Colleen Penisten Ramsey; grandsons Eric Peterson, Jeff Peterson (Jessica); great granddaughters Ella, Sophia, and Eliana; many nieces and nephews.

Please join the family to celebrate and honor Sam at a visitation from 1 – 3 pm and a Memorial service at 3 pm Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at O’Connell Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St, Hudson WI.

In lieu of flowers, please donate your time or money to your church or favorite charity in Sam’s honor.

Paid Obituary