Merlin Vern “Sammy” Samuelson

Merlin Vern “Sammy” Samuelson

Fairfield

Merlin Vern “Sammy” Samuelson, 97, of Sun City Center, Florida, and a longtime Fairfield, Iowa, resident, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Sammy Samuelson was born July 17, 1928, in Cantril, Iowa, the eldest son of Vern and Grace (Messer) Samuelson. Raised with a deep love of family, community, and faith, he graduated from Fairfield High School, where he met the love of his life and began a lifelong career in the automotive business.

On April 20, 1948, Sammy married his high-school sweetheart, Patricia “Pat” Hayes. Married for sixty-three years, together they built a rich and fulfilling life, sharing many passions, especially flying, dancing, music, travel, and treasured time with family and friends, many from all over the world. A licensed pilot since 1954, Sammy purchased his first airplane at a young age and over his lifetime owned and piloted several aircraft, including his beloved Beechcraft Bonanza S. For more than 50 years, Sammy and Pat explored the world by airplane. In later years, they made Florida their second home, enjoying seasonal friendships, clubs, and activities.

For decades, Sammy was a familiar and trusted presence in the Fairfield community. Known for his honest, service-minded approach to both cars and people, Sammy began his career on the mechanical side of the automotive business as a body-and-fender mechanic, eventually working in every department at local dealerships. His mechanical skill and steadfast belief in “doing the right thing” earned him a loyal following and the trust of friends and neighbors as he transitioned into sales.

In 1953, Sammy began selling automobiles, first representing Studebaker and Buick. A few years later, he joined Ed Weber and sold Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury; in 1974, he purchased that dealership from Weber and was joined in the business by his brother, Donald Samuelson. Sammy would become the longtime owner and operator of several automobile dealerships in Fairfield. In 1983, Sammy purchased Fairfield Toyota with his sons-in-law, Dennis Byers and Chris Munn, where he continued to serve in a leadership role for many years.

Respected throughout the industry for his integrity and commitment to service, Sammy served on numerous state and national dealer association boards and earned many honors during his career, including recognition for outstanding customer satisfaction. His dedication helped Fairfield Toyota earn the Toyota Touch President’s Award for excellence in dealership performance and owner satisfaction for two consecutive years. To Sammy, customers became friends, and friends became customers.

Over the years, Sammy belonged to many civic and fraternal organizations, including Kiwanis, Lions, Jaycees, Masons, Shriners (32nd Degree), and Elks—and he remained an active member of First Lutheran Church. He volunteered widely: supporting blood drives, donating vehicles to driver education programs, sponsoring youth and school athletics, and giving generously—often anonymously—to local causes or quietly to those he encountered who were in need. Ever energetic, he trained for and completed RAGBRAI several summers beginning at the young age of seventy. He delighted in golfing, dancing with his wife (Polishville was a favorite), and cheering on his children and grandchildren.

Most of all, Sammy cherished his role as husband, father, and grandfather. He was devoted to family and took great joy in spending time with them. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia A. Samuelson; his parents, Vern and Grace Samuelson; and two sisters, Marjorie Manley Breuer and Wanda Kessel. He is survived by his daughters, Linda (Dennis) Byers of Bradenton, Florida, and Deborah (Chris) Munn of Fort Myers, Florida; five grandchildren, Lisa, Todd, and Jason Byers, Marc Munn, and Meggan (Pat) Lowell; two great-granddaughters, Brook Munn and Ella Lowell; and his brother, Donald Samuelson of Ankeny, Iowa.

Sammy Samuelson will be remembered as a devoted family man, a beloved Fairfield businessman who treated his community like family; a dedicated pilot often sharing his love of flight with family and friends; and a generous civic leader whose service and friendship touched many. He will be deeply missed.

A memorial service celebrating Sammy’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, Fairfield, with Pastor Nathaniel Adkins officiating. Following the service, there will be a graveside memorial at 11:30 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery. A Celebration of Life luncheon and gathering will follow at First Lutheran Church; all family and friends are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church, Fairfield, Iowa. Cards may be mailed to Linda Byers and Deborah Munn, 6748 65th Terrace East, Bradenton, FL 34203. Online condolences may be left at behnerfh.com.