LeRoy O. Samuelson

LeRoy O. Samuelson, 89 of Lake Tomahawk, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026 at Azura Memory Care in Mukwonago, surrounded by his family. LeRoy was born on March 10, 1937 in Chicago, Ill. to Victor and Stella (Spolander) Samuelson.

After graduating from high school in 1955 in Elgin, Ill., he went to college for one year in Oshkosh, followed by two years in Madison. After college, Lee served four years in the Air National Guard.

Lee married Sharon Baumgartner on August 20, 1960 in Appleton.

Lee worked a short time for Dow Jones. The majority of his career, until retirement, was with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He retired as vice president of circulation from the Milwaukee Journal in 1992, at the age of 55.

Lee and Sharon moved to Lake Tomahawk permanently after retirement.

After a year of fishing, Lee decided to purchase, own, and operate the Korner Drive-In in Lake Tomahawk. Soon after, Lee built a second location restaurant, naming it Burger-N-Shake, on Highway 51 in Minocqua, now known as Briq’s. Lee loved flipping burgers, making ice cream cones, making friends with locals and vacationers alike. Many of Lee and Sharon’s grandchildren cut their working teeth at both locations, which brought great joy to both Lee and Sharon. These restaurants ran from opening day of fishing in May, through Labor Day weekend. On the off season, Lee enjoyed traveling to Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, Ala. He loved fishing in the Gulf and taking his children and grandchildren out on Charters to catch a grouper or two.

Lee was very involved with his church, Calvary Lutheran in Minocqua. He was very involved with fundraisers at church, such as Norwegian bake sales and fish boils. Lee was also heavily involved with Son of Norway for many years, very proud of his Scandinavian roots.

LeRoy is survived by his loving children, Carol (Terry) Pape, Jeffery Samuelson, and Sara (Rick) Poplawski; his grandchildren, Johnathan (Michelle) Pape, Justin (Briel) Pape; Amanda (Matthew) Tojek, Kacy (Jeffery Jones) Poplawski, Taylor Poplawski, Michael (Cassie) Oppermann, Stephannie (Steve Markowski) Oppermann, Kathryn (Austin) Gottman, Jeffrey Samuelson, Jr.; great-granchildren, Jace, Shayna, Silvia, Lilah, Paityn, Karson, Adisyn, Landon, Christina, Eleanor, Charles, Calvin; and many other family and friends.

LeRoy is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Sharon Samuelson; his son, John Samuelson; and his great-granddaughter, Laney Pape.

Funeral services for LeRoy will be held on Saturday, June 13, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. at Thelen Funeral Services, W309S4840 Commercial Drive, North Prairie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in LeRoy’s name can be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church.

Thelen Funeral Services is honored to be assisting with final care arrangements. Memories and words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.thelenfh.com 262-392-4251.