Louis James Samborski

Louis James Samborski, age 80, of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, passed away on November 15, 2024, in Flippin, Arkansas, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born on July 8, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis and Genevieve Kohler Samborski. Louis was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served his country during the Vietnam War. His dedication to service continued after his military years as he worked for the family business, Lou’s Welding, as a Boilermaker. Louis and his wife, Barbara Shuster, were married on April 4, 1989, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and shared a life filled with love, adventure, and devotion to family.

In 2004, Louis and Barbara made their way to Bull Shoals, Arkansas, where they fulfilled a dream of living close to nature and the outdoors. Louis especially cherished being able to fish every day-a passion that reflected his love for the peaceful, simple pleasures in life. He was a member of the Hoevel-Barnett Post 1341 VFW, where he actively volunteered his time for annual Thanksgiving dinners and supported the Bull Shoals Fire Department. Beyond his love for the outdoors, Louis had a deep appreciation for music and dancing, and he found joy in riding motorcycles and spending time with his dogs. He could be found on Sundays rooting for his Chicago Bears or any team playing against the Green Bay Packers. Above all, his greatest joy was being surrounded by his family. His kindness, humor, and unwavering devotion will be missed by all who knew him.

Louis is survived by his wife, Barbara Samborski of Bull Shoals, AR; his son, Christopher (Sara) Samborski of Rio Rancho, NM; his daughters, Kimberly Samborski of Rio Rancho, NM, and Katherine (Richard) Neal of Round Lake Beach, IL; his siblings, Wayne (Candy) Samborski of Oswego, IL; Pat (Robert) Hall of Sedona, AZ, and Sharon Bachelor of Roscoe, IL; and his cherished grandchildren, Gracie Samborski, Nevyn Neal, Bryndalyn Neal, and Aaralyn Neal. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Genevieve Samborski, and his brothers, David and Andy Samborski.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel in Bull Shoals, Arkansas, with Heather Marsalis, Celebrant, officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Hoevel-Barnett Post #1341 VFW and the United States Army Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to Hospice of the Ozarks, both of which provided exceptional care during Louis's final years.