Samuel Dalberg

Sam was born April 2, 1924 at home in Stratton, Ontario to Signe & Carl Dalberg and they named Carl Samuel after his father and grandfather. It wasn’t until he registered for the U.S. Draft that he chose the name Samuel Carl, since he had always been known as Sam. He was the 1st child of a family that grew to seven boys and one girl; Leonard, Allan, Elsie, David, Orval, Norman & Dean.
Sam was baptized in their farm home. Attended school at Morely school in Stratton through grade 8. This is where he learned his English, since prior they had only spoken a Swedish/Norwegian mix in the home.
Sam met his sweetheart in 1942 when Genevieve and her girlfriend, Marie volunteered to teach Sunday School in his church for the summer. Sammy & Genevieve sparked an interest in 1942 and started dating in 1943.
In 1944, while driving a pulp truck across the border in International Falls, Sam registered for the US Army. Sam felt he needed to since he was a dual citizen, planning a life with Genevieve in the US as war was breaking out. He was drafted shortly after. Sam went through Army Engineer Training in Louisiana before being sent to war. He was stationed on the Island of Ie Shema during the battle of Okinawa. Sam didn’t talk much about his time in WWII until late in his life. His company started with 296 men, only 90 men survived. He had a heart for the Lord and shared his faith with fellow soldiers while serving, we heard he had the nickname “Little Preacher”.
Sam returned home in April 1946 and immediately asked Genevieve to start planning the wedding. They were married at Calvary Lutheran in Minneapolis on August 10th of that year. Sam started working with his father-in-law, Andy Pearson as a carpenter while attending Lutheran Bible Institute (LBI) since the couple felt they were being called into missions. After Genevieve’s difficult 1st pregnancy and delicate health; it was decided that doing missions throughout life close to home would be best. They moved to NE Minneapolis and eventually settled in Spring Lake Park. Carolyn and Elaine soon followed starting their family; after 10 years they added Gloria & Narese making their family of 4 daughters. Sam built their home on Baltimore Street in Blaine which they enjoyed for 55 years.
Sam grew his love for home building thus began his business, Dalberg Builders. His father, Carl along with many of his brothers came from Canada and worked for Sam. He built many homes in the north metro area. Eventually he added his own real estate company where Genevieve joined him. They were active with the Anoka County Board of Realtors where Sam received the Realtor of the Year Award with Genevieve also receiving the same award a few years later.
Sam and Genevieve were members of Spring Lake Park Lutheran, now Abiding Savior Lutheran, for over 60 years. The church was very important to the Dalberg family life. Sam was an active member, teaching 5th grade Sunday school for 35 years, involved in the couple’s club, bible studies and more. Sam was very service minded, active in Gideon’s, Lion’s Club, Rotary, Meals on Wheels; also a regular board member for non-profits like Lutheran Colportage, Spring Lake Park Rec along with a generous supporter of world missions.
The family has grown over the years with the marriages of all four daughters, with the addition of 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Sam and Genevieve’s lives were enriched by many events, holidays, trips, and gatherings with their family.
Sam & Genevieve were married for over 66 years prior to Genevieve’s death in 2013. Their union was meshed by their love for each other and their Lord. Sam went home to the Lord on August 15, 2017. His determination to continue on boldly after Genevieve’s death was courageous.