Sam Shudarek

MARQUETTE MI - Sam Shudarek, age 24, of Marquette, passed away on April 7, 2025, in Marquette, Michigan. Born on December 4, 2000 in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and raised in West Bend, WI the child of Todd and Bonnie (Wilson) Shudarek, Sam was loved by many.
Sam graduated from West Bend East High School in 2019, and was an active member of the marching band and swim team. A gifted pianist and talented performer, Sam participated in numerous music competitions and brought joy to others through beautiful music. Sam spent a year at Concordia University in Mequon before transferring to Northern Michigan University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.
Sam was many things-a passionate musician, an incredible cook, an avid swimmer and hiker, and a true lover of the outdoors. Sam's deep connection with animals was evident with the love for the family dog Sunny, an aquatic frog named Flo and Tofu the gecko. Sam approached life with intensity, determination, and a strong will. Sam lived fully and authentically. Sam and Stephanie were making plans to travel to Germany so that Sam could expand German language skills. Sam's memory will live in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to be part of Sam's life.
Sam is survived by father Todd (Judie) Shudarek of West Bend, Wisconsin; mother Bonnie Shudarek (Michael Gendron) of Iron River, Michigan; sister Stephanie Shudarek Mayhew (Nicolas Mayhew) of Coolidge, Arizona; step-brother Bradley Walsh of Madison, Wisconsin; maternal grandparents William and Linda Wilson of Antioch, Illinois; paternal grandparents Alex and Sheri Shudarek of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and Virginia and Robert Kosmoski of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Paternal uncles and aunts Mark (Geralyn) Shudarek and Ann (Eric) Hall; and maternal uncles and aunts Mark and Jessi Wilson, Bill Wilson, and Vincent Wilson. Special friends include Abrianna of Neenah, WI, Arianna of Gwinn, MI, Leah of West Bend, WI, and many others. Special thanks to Dr. Leonard of NMU for her guidance during Sam's attendance at NMU. Sam was preceded in death by step-brother Nicholas Walsh.
A memorial service will be held at Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 526 N 3rd Street, Marquette MI on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm (Eastern). Services will take place at 1:00 pm (Eastern) with Fr. Greg Heikkala officiating. A reception will follow at the funeral home.
Donations in Sam's memory may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) https://donate.NAMI.org, 414 Atlas Ave, Madison, WI 53714 or The Trevor Project, P.O. Box 69232, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (give.thetrevorproject.org).
The Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com.
Service will be live streamed for those friends and family members who are unable to travel.