Samantha Barthels, 29 of Austin, Minnesota, was called home to be with her Savior on March 7, 2017, while at home with her parents.

Samantha was born May 25, 1987, to Pastor Ted and Denise (Rudolph) Barthels of Addison, Illinois. She was received into the kingdom of God’s grace through baptism on May 31, 1987, and she later confirmed her faith on June 10, 2001. Samantha was a dedicated member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Austin. During her childhood, Samantha lived both in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and Austin. She graduated from Immanuel Lutheran High School, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in 2005. She received her associate of arts degree from Immanuel Lutheran College, Eau Claire, her Bachelors of Science in Political Science degree from Minnesota State University-Mankato, and her Masters of Arts in Urban and Regional Studies, with a certificate in Urban Planning, from Minnesota State University-Mankato in December 2012. In the summer of 2014, Samantha was diagnosed with leukemia and after her long illness she was delivered from this vale of tears. Samantha was a fun-loving, quick-witted, intelligent person. She had a passion for planning and organizing, which led to her field of study. One of her favorite tools was a label maker. While not organizing things, Samantha loved to cook, play games, read, garden, do crafts and spend time with her family. Her love for her family was only surpassed by her love for her Lord.

Samantha is survived by her parents, Pastor Ted and Denise (Rudolph) Barthels, Austin; her sisters, Erica Barthels and Kathryn Barthels, Rochester, Minnesota, and Valerie Barthels, Ewa Beach, Hawaii; her maternal grandmother, Yvonne Rudolph, Warrens, Wisconsin; and many uncles, aunts and cousins. Samantha is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, George Barthels (1990) and grandmother, Anita Barthels (2011); and her maternal grandfather, Neil Rudolph (1994).

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 13, 2017, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Austin with the Rev. David Schierenbeck officiating. Friends may call at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.