Samuel Becker

Samuel Lee Becker passed from this Earth on Wednesday, Feb. 17, due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident.

Sam was born in Sioux Falls, S.D., on June 16, 1994, to parents Jeffrey and Jennifer (Ehlenz) Becker. One of four children, Sam is deeply missed by loving brothers Benjamin and Jackson, and his little sister, Sydney Mae, whom Sam adored.

Samuel spent his formative years in Rochester until 2011, when he moved with his family to begin a new journey in Arizona. In 2012, Sam graduated from Fountain Hills High School. He was an avid reader, a member of the National Honor Society and received a full academic scholarship to the University of Arizona. Sam also was a gifted athlete, earning multiple athletic letters at both Mayo High School and FHHS in soccer, track and football.

Sam's passing has left a gaping hole in the hearts of all that knew him. There is a void that will never be filled. Sam was an incredibly polite and sweet young man whose big smile would light up a room and make an indelible imprint in your heart. Sam so frequently put his genuine concern for others well ahead of his own needs and well-being. Sam was altruistic, even in his passing, he chose to be an organ donor.

In recent years, Sam had courageously fought, and eventually succumbed to, mental illness. Sam was tremendously successful in all aspects of his life, but his illness clouded his ability to recognize his own accomplishments. He truly did not see the Sam that we all knew and loved.

Sam was passionate about health and fitness. He recently became a Certified Personal Trainer and was employed at Anytime Fitness in Stewartville. That gym was a sanctuary for Sam, and provided him with hours of comfort and camaraderie.

Missing Sam are parents, Jeffrey and Jennifer; brothers, Ben (Kimberly Brinkman) and Jackson (Glenna Noska); and his sister, Sydney. Sam had a very large and loving extended family, which includes his grandparents, Bob and Donna Becker and Richard and Renee Ehlenz. Sam also is survived by numerous aunts and uncles, Lee and Kathy Becker, Scot Becker (Patty McGinnis), Julie and Robert Elliott, Jeff Ehlenz, J.P. and Jodi Ehlenz, Mike and Carol Gunter, Patrick and Ann Gunter; cousins, Wes, William, Andrea Elliott, Alison Becker (Tony Hoy), Kelsey Becker, Travis (Mary) Becker, Jesse and Gavin Becker, Sarah Gunter, Joseph (Libby) Gunter, Luther, Logan, and Levi Ehlenz, Julie Scheltons, and Mackinnon Ehlenz.

Those recently preceding Sam in death were two great-grandmothers, Mavis Ehlenz and Dorothy Gunter. We also are comforted by the thought that Sam will be looked after by a very special caregiver, Anita Noska.

Although Sam is no longer physically with us, his gentle spirit will live on forever in all whom he met. In time, the family intends to create a community event in Sam's honor to raise the awareness and increase the conversations of mental health issues; therefore, memorials may be directed to the family.

A visitation will be on Monday, Feb. 22, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home, in Rochester, with a time of sharing beginning at 6 p.m. Please join family and friends to celebrate the all-too-short, but wonderful life of Samuel.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.