Sam Person, 65, of Papillon Nebraska, died unexpectedly Saturday, July 13, 2024, at his home.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 18, at 10:30 AM at Gass Haney Funeral Home with Matt Person officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM and continue on Thursday, from 9:30 AM until service time, all at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue. Website for donations: https://www.adoptaboston.com/donate

Samuel Martin Person was born on March 6th, 1959 to Ronald and Patricia (Novicki) Person in Columbus, Nebraska. He grew up in Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School in 1977. Sam loved the outdoors and learned how to hunt, fish, and shoot from his dad.

While still in Columbus Sam worked for the Platte County Sheriff's Department as a jailer and deputy and then became a police officer after graduating from the Police Academy in May of 1981.

After a few years, Sam then moved to Omaha and was certified as a NRA Police Firearms Range Instructor by the Woodbury county Sheriff's Department in May 1990. In October of 1991 he joined the Saint Joseph Hospital Security Department. While working full time Sam earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement with honors in March 1992. Plus an Occupational Specialist Diploma in Human Resources from Metropolitan Community College in May 1992.

Sam left law enforcement and became a fraud investigator for First Data. While working Sam obtained another Associate in Applied Science Networking Technology degree from Metropolitan Community College in August 1998.

Sam liked the investigative work in the Insurance field and had jobs at Zurich and Empire Fire & Marine.

In June 1999 he obtained an Associate in Claims from the Insurance Institute of America. Sam never stopped learning and in June 2005 he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Bellevue University. Then in December 2013 he was awarded an Associate in Risk Management by The Institutes (insurance) of Philadelphia, PA.

Sam's current job was with Sentry Insurance from Wisconsin as a claims manager.

Sam liked to tell jokes and was one of the few people who could remember them. He loved making people laugh and had one of the most memorable laughs you will ever hear. He was smart, resourceful and would help anyone. Sam spent many hours with friends boating down the river and spent many more with family and friends fishing at the lake. He loved Boston Terriers and always checked with MidAmerica Boston Rescue to see if he could transport a dog to their forever home. His council to many friends and family will be sorely missed.

Sam is survived by:
Mother; Patricia Person of Columbus, NE
3 Sisters; Rebecca Person of Kansas City, MO
Bobbee Gronenthal of Columbus, NE
Mary (Bill) Lohrberg of Lincoln, NE
Nephews: Pete (Maddie) Gronenthal of Fremont, NE; Lee Lohrberg of Lincoln, NE
Niece: Kat (Jeremy) Williams of Lincoln, NE
Stepsons: Richard (Dani) Christie of Omaha, NE; Jonathan Christie of Lincoln, NE
Uncle: Larry (Jan) Novicki of Omaha, NE
Aunt: Joan Westphal of Lincoln, NE
Numerous cousins
Faithful dog: Ali

Sam was preceded in death by:
Father: Ronald Person
Grandparents: Barney & Rosie Novicki; Herb & Ann Person
Uncle: Neal Westphal
Uncle: Herman Person
Aunt: Norma Rapier
Cousin: Russell Rapier
Cousin's Wife: Becky (Greg) Westphal
Cousin: Jay Novicki
Niece: Ila Gronenthal