Charles Berlin Sampson

Charles Berlin Sampson passed away at home in Carmel, IN, July 22, 2021. The only child of Charles A. and Berdella 0. (Tjelmeland) Sampson, he was born December 15, 1939, in Iowa Falls, IA. He grew up on a farm south of Radcliffe, IA.

He graduated from Radcliffe High School in 1957; from the University of Iowa (1961 – BA Mathematics, 1963 – MS Mathematics), and from Iowa State University (1968 – PhD Biostatistics).

Charles joined Eli Lilly & Co. in 1968. During his 26-year career there he was active in shaping the growth of the use of statistics in the pharmaceutical industry. He became Lilly’s first Director of Statistics. He was a leader in establishing the American Statistical Association’s Biopharmaceutical Subsection. He co-founded the Midwest Biopharmaceutical Statistics Workshop. His mentoring influenced the next generations of statisticians.

In 1965 Charlie and Vicki (Klemesrud) began their 56-year marriage. Their three children – Eric, Brenda (Giuliano) Cacucci, and Carl (Elizabeth) and six grandchildren – Jack Sampson, Stefano Cacucci, Elena Cacucci, David Sampson, Michael Sampson, and Andrew Sampson – proudly carry on their Norwegian farm heritage along with Charlie’s love of sports and learning.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, August 13 at Flanner Buchanan-Carmel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30 am Saturday, August 14 at King of Glory Lutheran Church, with additional calling at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rock Steady Boxing located at 7440 N. Shadeland Ave, Suite 202, Indianapolis, IN 46250, or Iowa State University Foundation, PO Box 909, Des Moines, IA, 50304, for the Sampson Legacy Fund for Excellence in Statistics.