Technical Sergeant, Rodney “Ski” E. Samplawski, Retired U.S. Air Force, was born on Nov. 7, 1958, in Columbus, Wisconsin. He was called to be with Our Lord on Jan. 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 with 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.
Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of his life at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Best Funeral Services, 9380 West Peoria Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345.
Military Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in his honor.
