Honoring the Life of Sam Nail

Samuel Lon Nail, 44, passed away on August 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy built on deep faith, calloused hands, and a heart completely devoted to his family.

Born on September 11, 1981, in Oshkosh, Nebraska, he was the son of Harry T. Nail, Jr. and Elizabeth Snyder. He grew up in Sheridan, Wyoming and Wagoner, Oklahoma. He spent his childhood hunting, fishing, camping, and riding horses with his family and friends.

On September 10, 2019, he married his loving wife, Nicole. Together, they shared 9 wonderful years together, building a life rooted in love, adventures and dedication to family.

Sam dedicated over 20 years to his career as a Railway Conductor at BNSF Railway where he was highly respected for his work ethic and expertise.

If you knew Sam, you knew a modern renaissance man and a relentless jokester. He loved to keep everyone around him on their toes; you never quite knew if he was giving you facts or just fooling you. His sharp wit paired perfectly with his curious mind. Sam was always researching something new, ready to dive into deep discussions about current events, history, or economics. He was a true jack-of-all-trades who could seamlessly transition from fixing the family car to canning fresh vegetables.

Sam was happiest in the open air, whether he was swimming the ocean, camping in the mountains, spending time at the family cabin in northern Minnesota, or exploring his beloved land in South Dakota. He looked forward to every chance he got to tinker with or drive his 1981 Toyota FJ, with his girls and dog Maizey riding alongside. He was a man of diverse interests who enjoyed the pursuit of unique collections and held a sharp, knowledgeable mind for long-term investments.

His greatest joy, however, was being a dad to his three girls. He wasn’t just a parent; he was their playmate. Whether it was building forts and Legos, outdoor adventures, or snuggling and watching a movie, Sam was the first one to get down on the floor to play. He dreamed of a life on a small cattle ranch—a place with endless room for his daughters to run wild and free.

Sam is survived by his wife, Nicole; his three sweethearts, Raelyn, Vada, and Braidey; his mother, Elizabeth Snyder; and his siblings, Sara Branchcomb (Nathan), Joshua Nail (Jessica), and Chance Nail (Prestina). He was preceded in death by his father, Harry T. Nail, Jr., his grandparents Harry Sr. and Jean Nail, Alvin (Snick) and Belva Snyder, and his dearest friend Stephen M. Gaspers.

Sam lived by an unshakeable moral compass, loving God deeply and fiercely standing up for exactly what he believed in, no matter what. His spirit lives on in the deep values he instilled in his daughters, the dreams and ideas he shared, and the fierce, protective love and laughter he left in the hearts of his family.

A memorial service to celebrate Sam’s life will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Onalaska, Wisconsin on his 45th birthday, Friday September 11th, 2026. Visitation at 11:30am, Funeral at 12:30pm and a luncheon to follow.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family with arrangements.