Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Monday, December 21, 2020 for a visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Samuel’s friends are invited to bring a message, letter or memory they shared. Masks and social distancing will be required. In order to observe Covid restrictions, a private Mass of Christian Burial (invitation only) will take place at St. Lucy Catholic Church.
Everyone is invited to watch via livestream by clicking on this link on December 22nd at 11:00 a.m. https://youtu.be/CvTPzMVxgEo
Memorial Suggestions
A memorial fund has been set up in Sam’s name and contributions can be made at any BMO Harris Bank location. (888-340-2265)
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RACINE, WI AND ROCHESTER, MN – Samuel C. Meeks, 16, tragically passed away on Sunday December 13th 2020 due to injuries sustained from an auto accident.
Sam was born in Columbus, OH on July 6, 2004. He attended St. Lucy School in Racine and Willow Creek Middle School in Rochester, MN. He was currently a sophomore at Mayo High School in Rochester.
Sam was a young man with a big heart. He was his family’s gentle giant and a one of a kind soul. He enjoyed spending time skateboarding, playing basketball, visual arts, photography and being with his family and friends. His style was uniquely Sam, and he treasured his jewelry and colognes. He never missed an opportunity to show you how big his heart was and he always carried a little extra love with him for whoever needed it. Sam always made you smile. He will be dearly missed by the many family and friends that were blessed to share their lives with him.
Sam is survived by his father, Robert Meeks of Rochester; his mother, Melissa (Mike Eickhorst) Carbajal of Racine; his brothers, Peyton and Ethan Meeks; his grandparents, Norman Meeks, Joan Grimble and Robin Quam; his great grandparents, Maria Carbajal, Gene Herman; his uncles and aunts, Tracy Limbert, Karen (John) Hendrickson, Lynda Meeks, Robert (Samantha) Quam, Sara Eeg, Julia (Emilio) Damian; as well as many dear cousins and extended family and friends. Sam was preceded in death by his grandfather, Mario Carbajal; his great grandparents, Crescencio Carbajal, Robert and Adrienne Meeks, Roy and Mildred Grimble, Nancy Herman and James Smith; and his uncle Eric Carbajal.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Monday, December 21, 2020 for a visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Samuel’s friends are invited to bring a message, letter or memory they shared. Masks and social distancing will be required. In order to observe Covid restrictions, a private Mass of Christian Burial (invitation only) will take place at St. Lucy Catholic Church. However, everyone is invited to watch via livestream by clicking on this link https://youtu.be/CvTPzMVxgEo at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday December 22, 2020. His interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery. A memorial fund has been set up in Sam’s name and contributions can be made at any BMO Harris Bank location.(888-340-2265)
Rhonda Williams says
I remember Sam “Samuel Meeks”, he was an awesome soul. Not often do you meet an awesome soul at such a young age. He was destined to be here for the time he was here, I know now what it is meant when they say a child can teach you a lot, you couldn’t be around this kid, and not drop into a state of loving kindness as well. Sam and my daughter went to grade school for a while. And the movies here and there when they were in 7th/8th grade. In grade school I watched this “gentle giant” be gracefully kind and attentive to all the other kids, even where there was “kid conflict”.
…gone too soon, earth lost an angel.
My condolences to mom, the family God bless…
Jerilyn Fox says
Such a beautiful tribute to Sam. He was one of the most kind and loving souls I know. I was always Miss Jeri to him. I will always treasure the cards and the notes Sam wrote to me. I am grateful to have been able to share so many beautiful memories with him. My deepest sympathy to the family. May the Lord uphold you and your memories sustain you.
Rest In Peace Sam. I am eternally grateful for the times we spent together. You will never be forgotten. ❤️
Michele, Imani, and Sarai Jack says
To Our Sammy, We love you dear boy, more than measure. Our very first day we moved into our home in Rochester in 2011, you came running over from dad’s house to ours… across the yard, shirtless and shoeless, to introduce yourself…and your family. That then became daily visits, and eventually (after maybe a week!?) of just coming on in our back door from your house to ours, which cohesively became one “household” and family. Adventures, volunteering, holidays, birthdays, good times and bad ensued, but we’ve all been there together…A1 since Day 1. Our hearts ache for my second “son” and our little brother…we cannot fathom a life lived without you…yet are thankful to God for the numerous memories we have with you, and the gift of your time spent on Earth. We adore you Sam, treasure you and our time together, and will embrace the good, in honor of you, all the days of our lives. I’m going to cook up a pound of bacon this weekend in your honor. xoxoxo Love you so very much sweetheart; God bless and keep your mom, dad, and brothers…. The Jacks
The Perez Family says
We are so extremely sorry for the loss of Sam. He was such a wonderful person, so full of life, a great friend, with a huge heart and easy to talk to you. We will miss him and his visits with Jimmy and all the boys who love him so much, greatly. We pray for all of you – that God and the angels will give you strength and love and carry you all through these difficult times. We know Sam’s spirit will live on in your hearts and ours as well. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
John, Kim, Jenna, Kara and Jimmy Perez
Amy and Trenton Buckett and Silvia Hapke says
Dear Sam, we didn’t know each other too well, but the times our families did get together, I remember you being such a funny, nice, and outgoing guy! You were younger then, but 100% sure all of those awesome traits never left you! I wish our families had more time with you together, but God had other plans. It is very heart breaking knowing that you can’t be on this earth anymore, but I know you’re flying high and going to be keeping a watchful eye on your family from above. You’ve touched SO many lives and everyone loved having you in them. You will not be forgotten my friend. We (Amy, Trent, and Silvia) will be thinking of you and your family always. ❤ Rest in peace buddy, we love ya!
Tori Schram says
Melissa,
I did not know your son but I remember you as my coworker at Menards many years ago. My heart is breaking for you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Susan (Wolff) Campbell says
Melissa, Peyton, and Ethan,
I was so sad to hear the news about Sam. He was one of those good kids, and I definitely enjoyed seeing him in class every day at St. Lucy. Please accept my heartfelt condolences; I will be watching the live stream.
Love,
Miss Wolff
JoJo and Pat McLeod says
Sam was ALWAYS such a respectful young man!
He was always a friend to all and especially kind to those who needed it most!!!
Heaven has truly gained a gentle, loving , protective soul!!!
RIP kind friend! We will never forget you!
Your favorite lunchlady,
Mrs. JoJo and Pat McLeod❤️🙏
Kiersten Hammill says
Sam, you were one of my very best friends. You always put a big smile on my face and always knew how to cheer me up. You and I had a bond like no other. I’m going to miss your goofy and crazy self. I am so glad I got to know you for the time i did. Thank you for everything. I’m going to miss you and your bear hugs. I’m going to miss your presence more then anything in the world. Keep watching over all of us, yours friends and family. We’re all thinking about you, and we all with you we’re here with us. I love you forever. ❤️
Violet Garrison says
I miss you so much along with so many other people fly high Sam ❤️❤️
Nicole Landry says
I only knew Sam briefly when he was very young. He was the sweetest little boy. I can still see his bright smile in my memory and I never forgot what a kind friend he was to my son when they were small. I’m heartbroken to learn of his passing.
Natalie Schunke says
Sam , words can’t explain how we are all feeling. Everyone dearly miss you. At work we all can’t even grasp the fact your gone. We know your watching over us and guiding us. We will always miss your great big smile. I will always miss you doing anything to annoy me at work. I’m going to miss everything. We miss you.
Brenden R. says
Sam was one of the kindest people i have ever met. He was always there to talk to and was willing to listen. I will miss seeing him around at work, it’s not everyday you meet someone as down to earth as Sam was. My condolences go out to the Meeks family, deeply sorry for your loss.
Rest easy buddy.
-Brenden
Melissa Berg says
Dear Sam’s family,
Though we did not have as much time to get to know Sam as we would have liked, in the two years we shared with him as Mayo Spartans, he left an impact on us. Our staff gathered virtually on Monday morning to share memories of Sam, and we were touched to hear stories of your sweet son and brother, who was always extending a hand to help, checking in on his classmates and teachers, and who participated fully in class (a noteworthy and touching trait for a teenager during distance learning!)… always with his signature goofy grin.
We are thinking of you as you move through the coming days and weeks.
-Mayo High School counseling department
Gianna says
To my Sammy.. my little brother.
I remember when I first met you. We were all inseparable growing up ..
oh Sammy. You didn’t deserve this one bit. I will ALWAYS cherish every single memory we share … I love you SO much kiddo. Until we meet again ❤️
Caleb Jacobson says
In the few years Sam and I knew each other, Sam had become my brother. Someone who I could always go to for anything, always being there and supporting those around him. Sam deserved so much more. All of us, Tony, Teagen, Hayden, and myself and all of his other friends will always miss him, and always remember him.
Debbie Flynn says
Sammy, a gentle soul with a heart of gold. Your kindness and smile will never be forgotten, you had a special gift to make those who knew you laugh and be happy.I truly enjoyed watching you grow up. You will be forever in our hearts. God bless you.
Anneliese & Michael Ohler says
It was with great dismay that we heard the message of Sam’s death. Our thoughts and our love are with all his relatives and friends. We ask God for consolation and strength for all of them and for the confidence that all of our lives will not end at the graves but have a future beyond in the world where Sam has arrived. There death will not exist any more—or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist. Let us continue our way in this world encouraged by King David’s words “Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff keep me calm”.
God bless all the grieving families.
Greeting from the family which hosted Sam’s father Robert Meeks as an exchange student in Germany long ago (Anneliese, Michael, Barbara, Veronika, Susanne, Christian and their partners and Children)
The Duffy Family says
Remembering Sam from Vermont. We share your pain and hope that you can find peace in this tragedy.
Ruth Dillon says
Dear Rob, Melissa, Peyton and Ethan
There are absolutely no words to express my deepest sympathies to you and the family. My heart is broken. I remember the day Sammy was born. What a precious soul that was brought into this world on that day.
Peyton was over the moon to be a big brother. I was proud to be their “Aunt Ruth”. Sammy had the biggest smile and an even bigger laugh. He was a clown. He will certainly be missed.
I love you Sam.
Carol, Dick, Jill, Jeff and Melissa Rappel says
Dear Rob…we’re just in shock and are so very, very sorry over Sam. Your dad told us and I just can’t find the words to let you know how deeply sad and helpless we feel. I wish I could just wrap you all in my arms and make your pain go away. We missed seeing the Mass cuz I saw this message too late. Is there any way we could find a saved copy of it? I know it was a beautiful tribute to Sam and I’d love to see it. I’ve read all the messages here and feel like I knew him…..they are all so meaningful and beautiful, Rob. What a truly wonderful son, brother, grandson, friend, nephew he must’ve been and I know he’s watching over each and every one of you . It’s so unusual that people can express that many truly beautiful things and feelings about a 16 yr old boy! He must’ve truly been someone special and what a mark he has left on every single person who read these tributes. I know I’ll never forget him. Our family has known yours since we first became neighbors 43 years ago and you kids grew up with ours and especially our great camping trips we used to have every Memorial Day weekend even after you all moved away. I sure miss those times and really wish we had them back…..such great times. May God bless all of you, Rob, and hold you tight in His arms……you all mean so much to us. ❤❤❤❤
Carol, Dick, Jill, Jeff and Melissa Rappel says
Dear Rob…we’re just in shock and are so very, very sorry over Sam. Your dad told us and I just can’t find the words to let you know how deeply sad and helpless we feel. I wish I could just wrap you all in my arms and make your pain go away. We missed seeing the Mass cuz I saw this message too
late. I just found it and we’ll watch it now.I know it will be a beautiful tribute to Sam cuz he was beautiful. I’ve read all the messages here and feel like I knew him…..they are all so meaningful and beautiful, Rob. What a truly wonderful son, brother, grandson, friend, nephew he must’ve been and I know he’s watching over each and every one of you . It’s so unusual that people can express that many truly beautiful things and feelings about a 16 yr old boy! He must’ve truly been someone special and what a mark he has left on every single person who read these tributes. I know I’ll never forget him. Our family has known yours since we first became neighbors 43 years ago and you kids grew up with ours and especially our great camping trips we used to have every Memorial Day weekend even after you all moved away. I sure miss those times and really wish we had them back…..such great times. May God bless all of you, Rob, and hold you tight in His arms……you all mean so much to us. ❤❤❤❤
Robert Meeks Sr. says
I can’t know the pain, I can only imagine it. I am sorry for the grief you must feel. If there is a heaven he will be there waiting for you’
Lynda Meeks says
Dear Sam,
It’s taken me over two weeks to be in a position to write something here because there are no words to be said that reflect our grief at your passing. I will forever in my head hear you say, “Aunt Lynda?” in that special way of yours…. You are forever young, forever polite, forever loving and generous. You are missed by so many that love you, so many that drove ten hours to your service, so many that watched it online. I wish you and Rob, Melissa, Peyton, Ethan, etc., peace.
Love always,
Lynda
Diane Polachek says
Dear Melissa (& your entire family),
Bruce, Jake & I are so very sad to hear about Sam. Our hearts have been very sad & heavy after hearing of your loss. We pray for all of you and please know that you will continue to be in our thoughts & prayers.
Bruce & Diane Polachek and Jacob Shuman
Anonymous says
even though we had only talked once in a while when we would see eachother in the halls at willow you were one of my closest friends you were funny and nice and just a great guy you were taken to soon and i miss you a lot i still remember my exact reaction when i found out you passed away the only thing i could say was this has to be a joke you were to young your wings were ready but our hearts weren’t love you forever sam 🤍