Samuel Lee Becker June 16th 1994-February 17th 2016

Samuel Lee Becker passed from this earth Wednesday February 17th due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Sam was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on June 16th, 1994 to parents Jeffrey & 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 was also a gifted athlete, earning multiple athletic letters at both Mayo 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, MN. 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 include his grandparents, Bob & Donna Becker and Richard & Renee Ehlenz. Sam is also survived by numerous aunts and uncles; Lee & Kathy Becker, Scot Becker (Patty McGinnis), Julie & Robert Elliott, Jeff Ehlenz, J.P. & Jodi Ehlenz, Mike & Carol Gunter, Patrick & Ann Gunter. Cousins Wes, William, Andrea Elliott, Alison Becker (Tony Hoy), Kelsey Becker, Travis (Mary) Becker, Jesse & Gavin Becker, Sarah Gunter, Joseph (Libby) Gunter, Luther, Logan, & Levi Ehlenz, Julie Scheltons, and Mackinnon Ehlenz.

Those recently preceding Sam in death were two great-grandmothers Mavis Ehlenz and Dorothy Gunter. We are also 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.

There will be a visitation on Monday February 22nd from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN with a time of sharing beginning at 6:00pm. Please join family and friends to celebrate the all-to-short, but wonderful life of Samuel.

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