Samuel James Klassy, 19, of Sheboygan, WI, passed away on November 8, 2024, due to a training accident. He was born on January 18, 2005, in Sheboygan, to Jarvis and Marie (Brandt) Klassy. Samuel was a devoted and cherished member of his family, and his sudden loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.
Samuel was a graduate of Warriner High School, class of 2023, and his educational journey included Lincoln Erdman Elementary School and Warriner Middle School. After high school, Samuel worked at BW Paper Systems and American Orthodontics before fulfilling his dream of joining the Marine Corps in January 2024. Samuel’s passion for service and commitment to his country was evident as he began his training with the Marines, where he developed lasting friendships with his fellow service members, who he referred to as his “band of brothers and sisters” at Camp Pendleton.
Throughout his life, Samuel was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls, as well as Cross Roads in Sheboygan. His strong faith and caring nature were pillars of his character. Samuel was always ready to listen, offer support, or share a kind word with those in need. He wasn’t afraid to speak up when something wasn’t right and often put others’ needs before his own.
Known for his boundless energy and warm heart, Samuel’s love for the outdoors and time spent with family was a defining part of his life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and brother, and he often spent hours gaming with his brother. Samuel’s love for reading and learning also fueled his passion for history. He had an immense appreciation for Star Wars, and his enthusiasm for the franchise was something he loved sharing with friends and family.
Samuel’s larger-than-life presence earned him the affectionate nickname “Jolly Green Giant,” due to his tall stature and constant smile that brought joy to everyone around him. He had a unique bond with his grandparents, particularly his maternal grandparents, Roland and Dorothy Brandt. Whether talking, visiting, or baking together in the kitchen, Samuel cherished every moment spent with them. He also shared a special relationship with his cousin, Maddy, with whom he spent countless hours conversing and sharing his thoughts and feelings.
Samuel is survived by his parents, Jarvis and Marie Klassy; his brother Michael (special friend Isabelle Stangel) of Sheboygan; his grandparents Roland and Dorothy Brandt of Sheboygan and Ralph and Vicky Klassy of North Fond du Lac; aunts and uncles Ann (Christopher) Ertman of Sheboygan Falls, Agnes (Jamie) Gagnon of Sheboygan, Rita Woelfel (fiancé Michael Krueger) of Plymouth, Teresa (Todd) Welsch of Columbia, South Carolina, and Aaron (Carmen) Klassy of Blue Mound, Wisconsin; as well as many cousins, relatives, and friends, including his comrades from Camp Pendleton.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Suchon Funeral Home, 1317 State Rd 67, Plymouth, WI, and on Saturday, November 30th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at First United Lutheran Church, 2401 Kohler Memorial Drive, Sheboygan, WI. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM at First United Lutheran Church, with Pastor Wendy Wirth-Brock officiating. Samuel will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 6706 Superior Avenue, Kohler, WI, where military rites will be rendered in honor of his service to our country.
Samuel’s spirit, generosity, and love for others will forever be remembered. His family finds comfort in knowing that his memory will live on through the lives he touched, and the love he shared with those closest to him.
*May Samuel’s soul rest in peace, and may his family find strength and solace in their memories of him.*
