Date of Birth: November 07, 1958
Date of Death: January 22, 2023
Technical Sergeant, Rodney “Ski” E. Samplawski, Retired U.S. Air Force, was born on November 7, 1958 in Columbus, Wisconsin. He was called to be with Our Lord on January 22, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. Rodney was 64 when he passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the loving son of Marian E. (Kuehni) and George E. Samplawski. In 1962 Rodney moved with his family to Stanley, WI and grew up on the family farm. He graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School in 1977. In 1981 he graduated from Chippewa Valley Technical College and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. Rodney had been stationed at Hill AFB, Utah during active military. After an honorable discharge he went to work for the Air Force Reserves at Luke AFB, Arizona where Rodney met and married Joann (LiVigni) Samplawski in 1989. He transferred to the Tucson Air National Guard in 2008 where he retired from military and civil service. After trying a few jobs, he found his home at Boeing working on the Apache Helicopter. He loved to work and his co-workers. Rodney had several passions during his life but the biggest ones were family, watching movies and NASCAR. Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Joann, his children Michael Samplawski, Matthew Samplawski, Stephanie (James) McGill, Grandsons John McGill, Tristan McGill, sisters, Lana (Paul) Rozwadowski, Rita Priegel, Paula (Bob) Henke, brother Greg (Diane) Samplawski and many nieces and nephews. Rodney was preceded in death by his Parents, Marian and George Samplawski and his Father-in-law, Vincent LiVigni.
Service Information
Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of his life at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Best Funeral Services, 9380 West Peoria Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345. Military Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2023, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024
Contributions
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in his honor.
Rodney’s life was far too short, but it made a big impact on the world. I’ll always remember him.
May you rest in peace, Rodney. Although I only had the pleasure of spending time with you over one dinner — I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and for others to know that your raising of Michael to be the man he is today resulted in him being the best friend anyone could ask for. I believe you had a big role in raising him to be such a great friend. Without you I wouldn’t have him. Thank you.
So sorry Joanne for your loss. Rodney was a awesome roommate while living in Tucson. Cheryl and I are going to try to make it on Saturday for the service. We are coming from Munds Park.
Rodney your friendship, leadership, and that big mustache smile will be missed in the shop. It was an absolute pleasure knowing you and working with you.
It was always a good interaction with Rodney. He had a special way of putting you in a good spirit. He was a generous man. Thanks for the paint brushes Rodney.
Joann ,
I am so very sorry for your loss, I didn’t even realize the battle you had…
I just want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children and grandchildren at this time.
May God surround you all with comfort and strength and peace that passes understanding.
Love Fred and Patti
Rodney will always be remembered for his huge heart and vibrant soul. I will miss his great since of humor and the way he always made people feel important.
So sorry for your loss
Our sincere condolences to all of the Samplauski family Ski will be greatly missed our thoughts and prayer are with RIP Ski
Our friendJoann,
It’s with a heavy heart.. I say .. we are so sorry for your loss and can see how much you loved each other .. May God give you the strength to
Carry on and feel the love & peace he has for you.. your in our thoughts & prayers..
Ski will be missed, I am proud to say he was an outstanding airman to serve with at Hill AFB and performed in an exemplary roll while assigned to the 944th FW at Luke. People like him are a shinning example of dedication to duty. You served your country well.
Thank you Joann for sharing Rodney with the Apache team for so many years. He was a tremendous example of service and leadership. We will miss him always.
Rodney was such a positive person and one of the first people that made my move to Arizona not seem so isolating. He will certainly be missed and I am sending much love and strength to his family during this time.
My sincerest prayers and condolences.
Rodney was my first trainer in the hydraulic shop at the 944th. He was always fun to be around and I really enjoyed working with him. I’m grateful to have worked with him. Rest in peace my friend.