Jeff, Jennifer and Becker Family,

I'm so sorry for the loss of Sam. Thinking of you and your family at this most difficult time. 

Kathleen Davies

My deepest, heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Samuel. I am terribly sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and strength from God. Revelation 21:4 tells us what God will soon do: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

Jeff & Jennifer and Family,

We were saddened to hear of the loss of your son Sam.  Although we did not know Sam, it sounds like he was a terrific individual with a passion for life and others.  We do know that Sam was from a wonderful family and we feel your pain.  No parents should have to face the death of a child.  Gather strength from your family and friends as you move forward and cherish the good memories you will always have of your son.  Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate the days, months, and years ahead.  May Sam forever rest in God's peace and love.

With sincere condolences,

Terry & kathy Buzzell

The memories of Sam should be a great source of comfort for his family and friends, and that does not eliminate the pain.  Please be comforted in the words a man spoke to Jesus over 2,00 years ago and is still valid today(Luke 23:42) .?.?.Then he said: “Jesus, remember me when you get into your Kingdom..?.?.Jesus reply was "And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise.”  When God's kingdom is realized that promise will be fulfilled. 

Dear Becker Family,

When I think about Sam, I think about his genuine and reassuring smile that I can still picture so clearly. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with Sam in elementary school riding the bus over an hour each way and spending time at sporting events for Jackson and Marcus. I always appreciated how he made me feel included even though I was the only girl around. Even throughout middle school and high school, he was always able to make me and others feel at ease. I am thankful for the memories I had with Sam from recess to high school dances and goofing off in classes. I remember being sad when you all moved to Arizona because Sam was one of the most genuine guys at Mayo, but he came back to visit so much that it was like he never really left. Thank you for raising him up to be such a gentlemen even at a young age-I and many others, will always appreciate that. 

I am sending my prayers and deepest condolences to you and your family and friends. I am sorry I was not able to make it back to Rochester for the service, but was happy to hear of how many were there. He was truly loved by so many and it breaks my heart to know that he left this earth so soon. In times of grief I flock to this verse: "From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I (psalm 61:2)." I pray that you will feel God's presence as well as support from family of friends in the coming seasons of grief, lament, and hopefully, ultimately, peace. 

Sincerely,

Myra Franzone

Sam's beautiful spirit and personality was such a joy in class. I remember discussing the move with him and how optimistic and excited he was for the opportunity.

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Sam's family.

Our heartfelt sympathy in the death of your handsome son Sam.  We can't imagine what your family is going through.  The only thing we can do is keep you in our prayers.  May the Lord look after you and give you strength.  

John and Marcia ( Gunter ). Hauck.    First cousin to Sam's grandma Renee

Dear Jeff and Family,

We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of your son.  The obituary describes the life of a very gifted and talented young man who was taken from us far too soon.

Sincerely,

-Steve and Marilyn Riederer

Dear Becker Family,

We were deeply saddened by the news of Sam's tragic passing. What a beautiful obituary and tribute to him. May your memories of Sam and the outpouring of love and support provide you with some comfort in the days ahead.

Wishing you as much peace as possible during this very difficult time.

Jon, Cindy, Kayla, Tommy, and Eryn Fjelsted

To the Becker Family, Grandparents and extended family.

We are so sorry for your loss.  Reading all the messages, Sam must have been a wonderful young man! 

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. 

Larry and Kathi Gunter

To the Becker family,

Moving to Minnesota in 2004, there was a shy new addition to Bamber Valley Elementary School who was not sure if he would be able to adapt to his new life. But he met someone who would help him grow, meet other friends, and give him a brother to share experiences with over the next several years.

While I cannot begin to imagine the loss that you are feeling, it is difficult to describe the similar heartbreak that I have in hearing about Sam's passing. We had countless memories in Mrs. Hammel's 5th grade class, where our friendship began and continued to grow. Sam taught me to be a better basketball player, he was my competitive motivation in everything ranging from schoolwork to video games, and he encouraged me to meet others with his outgoing personality and unique sense of humor.

Sam was the one who introduced me to Graham Sparks and Daniel Herman during our time at Willow Creek Middle School. Many years later, these two are now my closest friends whom I share the same strong bonds as I did with Sam. This is perhaps the hardest memory to think about, as it shows just how interwoven his life was with my own.

We played on the same soccer teams for many years consecutively, and Sam was always a dominant athlete who contributed his talents each and every year, both on and off the field for us. Whenever I was feeling down due to a loss or from bad individual play, Sam was the beacon of support who pushed me to learn from it and continue forward.

Because of his impact and all the memories we shared, I still wonder how or why our strong friendship began to fade in the later years of our time at Mayo high school. I distinctly remember the excitement I had when seeing him at our senior class party, and the brilliant show he gave for us that night. At the time, he spoke often of his move to Arizona and the new life that I was happy for him to begin after graduation.

The last time I saw Sam was the summer of 2013 after freshman year of college, in Rochester on the 4th of July. It was a brief conversation, but one that I wish was so much more than that. Since that day, I wanted to see him again to explain just how important he was in my life and to see how much we had grown since high school. I would search social media sites from time to time, in the hope that we could reconnect once more, but I was never able to find Sam. It saddens me that we will never be able to have that conversation, just being able to see him again.

Your son was a wonderful human being, and will always be a brother to me. He introduced me to your family many years ago, and I will always know who Sam learned his genuine kindness from. I am so very sorry that I will not be able to make his visitation or funeral, but please accept my sincerest thoughts and prayers for Sam and the rest of your family during this time. He was a beautiful soul, may he rest in peace.

Derek Herman

Jeff, Jennifer and family...I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you all, and my prayers are with you and your son. God bless you all.

Jeffrey and Jennifer, my thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family since hearing about Sam's tragic death. May God's blessings be with all of you.

In love and with sincerest sympathy,

Clay

Jackson was my best friend in elementary school and I know my brother Drew felt the same way about Sam growing up on 4th Ave SW. I have a plethora of fond memories of the Becker boys and all the "mischief" we got into as kids. I never knew someone with a kinder heart and more energy than "Slammer" had. I always saw Sam as another younger brother and I am deeply saddened by your guy's loss. As a parent of three, my heart aches for each and everyone of you and I pray that you guys will find comfort in the fact that Sam's spirit is now at peace. I can't help but think back to all of the games of home-run-derby and dodge ball we played at your house and being able to witness the fine young man that Sam became. I truly feel as though I am a better person for knowing him. I offer my utmost sympathy and condolences during this difficult time and please know that you will all be in my thoughts and prayers for the good and bad days to come. I would like to share with you all a common quote that gave me comfort and solace during my time being deployed in the service away from my loved ones: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” - Psalms 23:4. I have no doubt Sam's soul will be guided and protected throughout his future journeys.

Sincerely,

Aaron Burt.

Jeffery and the entire Becker family,

Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of Samuel.  May your hearts and minds eventually find peace and comfort.

Sincerely,

Phil Rossman

To all of the Becker Family,

Please accept our deepest sympathy at this tremendous time of loss. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family during this very sad time.

My condolences to you and your family. Life does not make sense sometimes and losing your son is tragic.  My heart and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time.

Erin Gray

You have our deepest sympathy.  We pray for God's peace for your family.

Dear Sam,

 We address this to you, because I believe that those we love never go away; they just walk beside us, unseen and unheard, and always near.

You are our son, Joshua’s true, best friend, and we are so grateful and happy that we could also spend time with you, when you traveled with us to Bombay, India.

We quickly realized that what we saw in this young, smiling man was what we got: intelligence, honesty, enthusiasm, determination, fun, kindness and compassion. You were comfortable in your own skin; actually, the only time we saw you scared beyond belief and shouting expletives was when Tarabai (the help in India) was trying to wake you up one morning, looming over your bed, with her thick hideous glasses, long protruding teeth, and all!!

You had the rare ability to hold a discussion on any level, funny or serious, sometimes philosophical, and you soon got Naveen and my dad hooked onto debates and conversations. You also had an uncanny ability to tolerate spicy Indian food for 4 weeks!

You approached every endeavor wholeheartedly: surviving weeks with my loud, crazy family, definitely enjoyed clubbing in Bombay, and attempting to research why India was not the most ‘gay’ country in the world…(we are a touchy-feely nation, and Sam could not understand why guys, who are just friends would walk hand in hand in India)!

Like it or not Sam, you became a very dear part of our family and we will always hold you strong in our hearts, and though there were no farewell words spoken, and God took you home before we knew it, be rest assured that your parents and Ben, Jackson, Sydney will be held close, and loved, and protected by us, by your family, and your friends.

With love,

Naveen Kanaaz Josh, Tara, Seth

Your son touched so many lives for the good. I am grateful that I had the chance to know Sam as both a classmate and an unforgettable friend. Praying that you will find comfort in your beautiful memories of him and in the knowledge that others are missing him, too. At a time when I was overwhelmed by the thought of starting middle school and meeting new people, I was lucky enough to have met Sam. It was in Mrs. Winter's 6th grade class that I realized I had found a genuine friend. In fact, it is hard for me to imagine middle school without Sam and I want you to know how amazing he made growing up. I feel blessed to have known such a talented, big-hearted, and kind person. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I hope you feel surrounded by lots of love. My sincerest condolences to your family.

My heart breaks for you and with you.   I pray that you will find some comfort from beautiful memories.  "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.  The former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)   May God's promise also help to comfort you.   Please accept my condolences.

I know Sam and I werent the closest as we grew older but I'll never forget the great times we had when we were younger. I'm glad I played up a year in baseball when I was in first grade because I never would have met him that young. He's a great guy with a great heart that will be missed more than anyone can understand. He's one of the nicest, hardest workin people I've ever met in my life. I'm extremely sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to your family during the difficult time. I'm gunna miss Sam a lot and so will many others. R.I.P, gone but never forgotten. 

Rest in peace to one of my best friends Sam Becker. You were the first friend I had when I moved to Minnesota and during school we were inseparable. Whether it was a trip to your cabin or the time we went to India together, we always had a good time and you were one of the nicest people I have ever known. I can't count the number of memories we had as kids in middle and high school, and even though we grew apart you were and always will be one of my closest friends. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Jeff and Jennifer Becker,
Seldom have words failed me as they do this moment. We are Josh's grandparents, and vividly remember dear Sam when he accompanied Josh to India. Though we, as parents cannot accept or understand why God snuffed out such a beautiful young life, we pray that God gives you both the strength to bear this painful loss. Remember all the good times you were blessed to have him with you. 
Sam was a delight to have in our home for a few days. He and Josh wanted to learn how to use a stick shift geared car and went in the mornings with a driving school instructor. Always smiling, we have very fond memories of him and will forever live within our hearts. We can only pray that God keeps his soul in eternal peace. 
Our sincere condolences reach out to you along with our love. 
Zarine and Rustom Vazifdar

Jackson and family,

I am so very, very sorry to hear this news. The pain of losing a family member is so intense. I heard Jackson lovingly talk about Sam and how the Jackson family has fun together and rallies around each other. I wish you strength today and always.

Lori

Dear Becker Family

I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Sam.

When I saw him at my covenience store I had a short time to talk with him.

What a nice young man with an awesome personality and smile.

Many thoughts and prayers for your family in this difficult time.

Mark Devine Rochester, Minnesota 

Dear Jeff and Jen, Ben, Jackson and Sydney, 

Words can't express the sorrow we felt when we heard about Sam.  Please accept our sincere condolences on your tragic loss.  The obituary was beautifully written and it certainly captured the Sam we saw every time we had the pleasure of being with him.   Our Sam sends her heartfelt sympathy, as she has lost a classmate. She was heartsick when she learned of the accident.  

We can only send our love and prayers that in the days ahead you find peace and the strength necessary to carry on, remembering the amazing memories of your fine son and brother, surrounded by the continued love and support of one another and your extended family.  We are praying for each of you in this most difficult time.  Indeed, a beautiful life, lost too soon. 

Love, 

Jim, Wendy and Samantha Francis

Dear Becker family,

I am so very sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your sweet Sam!  My heart truly goes out to you all!  I remember Sam as a sweet, bright boy with a kind heart and easy smile, who had a wonderful, supportive and loving family.  I am certain that your hearts are breaking without him now but I pray that the love of God and the memories you have of Sam's bright smile and kind spirit will comfort you in time and you will find the strength you need in the difficult days ahead.  

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.

Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

With deepest sympathy,

Lori Walske

Becker family,

Our deepest sympathy to all those who love Sam. He was the handsome, kind big brother who was adored and admired not only by Sydney but by her other daycare friends. He made them all feel special with that smile and just taking time to talk/listen to them. He often spoke about his family and what fun activities they had been doing. I know there has to be many golfing stories to make you smile. Please let us know if you need anything. Love, hugs and prayers-Nogoseks 

Dear Jenifer my beautiful niece

I am so very sorry to hear of Sam's passing. There no words I can say to take away the pain. I have heard many times that parents are supposed to out last their children. People will say they can only imagine but  they really will never know unless it happens. I did not get to know Sam as much as I would have liked to but I know you so I know he had a big heart and that big heart is what will keep you going. I have gotten to know a handful of people who have lost a child( like your mom's cousin Janice)and we all have a wounded spot in our hearts that will never go away but have other children and you will have grandchildren that deserve to know that grandmother with the big heart. You are fortunate to have many shoulders to lean on. Take advantage of all of them, they share your grief. When Sonni passed away I felt like I couldn't ever laugh again but I knew there was a light in me that Sonni loved which was my laughter. I knew that laughter was still there when Dawn's sister came over from Oahu to comfort us and help us in any way she could many friends brought over food so Gretchen made me a plate. Well her family is Samoan big people. The plate she made me, I looked and started to laugh. I could have fed the whole block off my plate. Ty and his family came from California  to the funeral and in the church Cailin was sitting with Gretchen. Cailin was only three and started to fuss so Gretchen reached over and pinched Cailin assuming that would quiet her down. A short while later Cailin reached over and pinched Gretchen.  We have an advantage over you living in Hawaii we keep fresh flowers by sonni's picture always. Her favorite flower was the yellow rose. The day of her funeral we had people come to our house after words. A yellow rose bush I had bought her was full of roses. I hung a sign on it . (Please stop and smell) When you feel like you are cried out more will come but gradually they will become less and the tears will turn to smiles and then memories will make you laugh. Sam is now sitting with Sonni ,Grandpa and Grandma listening to some funny story Grandpa is telling while watching a sunset. There was a lady that had many children. She was asked, "which one do you love the most"? She replied "the one that needs it" You also need to be the shoulder for your husband and children to lean on, they also have pain and they need the love that you so easily can give. You have a light in you that will always shine, sometimes the wind will make it dimmer but it will come back brighter. We will not be able to attend the funeral but our hearts overflow with sympathy. We miss you and hope to see you and your family soon.

Words don't seem adequate to express how very sorry I am.  May God hold you in his hands and give you the courage to help each other through this difficult time.  

We are so sorry about the loss of Sam. Bryant shared so many childhood memories with Sam...Bryant and Sam riding bikes around the neighborhood and flying kites at the church behind your old house. We are thinking of you all and praying for you.  Sam will be truly missed.

-Bryant Zahradnik and family

I only just met Sam this year and knew him for just a couple of months. The first day that I met him, and every day since then, I have known him to be the sweetest person I have yet to meet. He was such a pleasure to have around and always put a smile on everyone's face. I am so honored to have met him and and had the opportunity to share even the smallest moments with him. You brought an amazing human being into this world and his imprint has been left on many. With love and remembrance, I give my condolences. 

We are so sorry for your unimaginable loss!  You are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of Sam.  (We are neighbors of Richard and Renae's.)

With love and deep sympathy,

Anna Spickelmier

To the Family and Friends of Samuel Becker,

Grief.

You will find that it comes in waves.

When a ship is first wrecked, you're drowning,

with wreckage all around you.

Everything floating around you will remind you of

the beauty and magnificence of the ship that was,

and is no more.

All you can do is float.

You will find a piece of wreckage and you hang on.

Maybe it's some physical thing.

Maybe it's a happy memory or a photograph.

Maybe it's a person who is floating. 

For a while, all you can do is Float. Stay alive. 

In the beginning, grief will come in waves 100 feet tall. 

They will crash without mercy.

They will come quickly at first. Maybe 10 seconds apart.

All you can do is hang on and float.

After a while, maybe weeks, maybe months, the waves will still come, 

but further apart. Still crashing, still wiping you out.

Grief may be triggered by a song, a picture, or the smell of a coffee cup, but between the waves,

there is life.

After every wave, you, soaking wet, sputtering, and

 still hanging on to some tiny piece of wreckage,

will come out.

Sam was an altruist in every respect. 

-Ben Gillard

Jeff, Jennifer and family,

We only knew Sam as a little boy, but your beautiful words brought a smile through the tears recalling his beautiful smile and energy.  It's the little things, the small, everyday occurrences that you'll remember. The laughs, the stories, the smiles. And even though it seems like you can never recover from your loss, it is these very memories that will help push the pain away and bring back the smiles. 

Peace and strength to you all during this time of deep sorrow.

Scott, Kathie and Madison Skaar

To the Becker family,

I am so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. I will never forget helping him with his math homework while we rode the bus home from school many years ago. He was always so excited about it. I don't know who looked forward to it more - him or I. When we ran into you guys in Arizona a few years back I couldn't believe that the little kid whose feet couldn't even touch the floor of the bus when he sat down was now a grown man - taller than me. I wasn't shocked at all, however, to hear of his academic success. I was so happy I got to see him again. He was such a great kid, and to see him as a mature young man was wonderful.

I know words will never replace him nor fill the hole this has placed in your hearts and your lives. Please know that we are all thinking of you and are here for you should you ever need anything. 

Jen and Jeff and Ben, Jackson and Sydney, and extended family;

Such fond and special memories of Sam. We're so sorry we will not be able to attend on Monday, so I wanted to now share a memory which has stayed with me and would come to me every time I saw him.  Your family visited us when shy Sydney was very young. I showed Sydney and the boys shells and Sand Dollars I had found on a recent vacation in Florida. The Sand Dollar [now called Sea Starts] Sydney was holding broke. She was distressed. I told her that was actually a good thing because now I could show them what was inside which are small pieces that look like Doves. Years later we were with your family again. Sam came right up to me with his contagious smile and said, "I remember you! You're the one that gave Sydney the Sand Dollar and showed us the Doves!" That struck my heart then and still does. Please be kind to yourselves and may you find comfort in all the love coming your way.

Carol & Ed Shafer

I met Samuel a few summer's ago and I am so blessed to have called him a friend. He was one of the sweetest men I've had the pleasure of knowing. I don't think his kind, caring, and respectful personality can be emphasized enough. When I heard of his passing, so many memories and conversations ran through my mind. But the most important was how he always emphasized his love for his incredibly kind family. My prayers go out to you all. -Bridgette Volkman

After reading the many condolences I wish I would have had the pleasure of knowing Sam. I am very good friends with Julie and Robert. I know they are grieving the loss of their nephew/cousin. I remember when my dad died suddenly I felt like for quite a while a veil was lifted and I could see clearly signs that God was walking with me through my pain and comforting me almost hourly. I hope you can see his presence and love and strength for you and your family at this time. Pam Nelson, Minneapolis

I was so saddened to hear of Sam's death. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of Sam's family.   Barbara

Jeff and Jennifer

I am so sorry for your lose, the memories of your family at soccer games will stay in my mind forever.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Steve

I had a hard time in high school but Sam always said hi to me in the hall and and was genuine about it. It helped me be more confident.

The Becker Family, 

If words, prayers & tears could take away your pain, they would in a moment. Sam is someone that I have had the pleasure of knowing for a majority of my life & I know without a doubt that his gentle, kind, wonderful spirit will live on forever. Sam is unforgettable. It just goes to show you that life is about how much lives you have in your years rather than how many years you have in your life. I'm so sorry that nothing can take away the pain & may the Lord & Samuel's spirt comfort you in this time of need. My very best wishes. 

Valerie

We are friends of Ben & Kim. We are so sorry for your loss. You will be on our prayers 

Jennifer, Jeff, Ben, Jackson, and Sydney, I was so very saddened to learn of Sam's passing.  He was always such a warm, kind, and genuinely sweet young man.  From when he was young, he always brought a smile to everyone.  I will always remember his smile.  You are all in my prayers and thoughts and hope that the knowledge that he is pain free and with other caring loved ones now will help to ease your pain. 

Kathy Gibson

YOU HAVE OUR SYMPATHY.  WE ARE FRIENDS OF DICK AND RENEE EHLENZ. 

I want to write my condolences to the Becker family.  This hurts.

I will miss Sam. I feel sad his time with us and the world itself seems way too short.

I have always thought of Sam when needing the help of volunteers.  Sam was one of the best high school students I have mentored.  He was self motivated.  Remember how excited, kind and giving Sam was helping all the 4th & 5th grade students of Bamber Valley Elementary School conduct experiments inside the Science Express semi-truck trailer.

To the Becker Family,

Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your precious Sam. He touched so many lives and filled so many hearts with joy.  His smile always made everyone feel so at ease in the room.  Even as a young man his gentle spirit and kind heart was a joy to be around.  He will always have a special place in my heart.

Jeff, Jennifer and Family - Words cannot quite express the sadness I am feeling for you at this time of grieving. I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet boy, Sam. What a beautiful tribute to such a wonderful soul. I am holding you all close in prayer in these coming days. Praying you feel the love and support from family and friends will sustain you during this difficult time. 

Jeff and Jennifer our hearts are with you in the loss of your son.  We are so very sorry and know you are all bearing heavy grieving hearts on this sudden, tragic and unexpected death of Sam. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.  John and Gretchen  O'Neil 

Jeff and Family,

My heart goes out to you as you deal with the loss of your son.  I will keep you in my prayers and hope the strength of friends and family will get you through such a difficult time.

Jeffrey and Family, my heart is heavy for you as you go through this most difficult time.  Thoughts and prayers to all.  What a lovely obituary, I have never met Sam yet through your gracious words I feel I have known him for years.  May your memories sustain you and honor Sam.

Jenn and Family,  my thoughts and prayers are with you.  Cara