Samuel Laevell Salchert, age 15 of Sheboygan passed away Tuesday
afternoon October 16, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving
family.
Samuel was born August 1, 2003 in Milwaukee with a genetic brain
disease. His family was told at age 3 he wouldn’t live for very long as
a result. For ten more years, his mom and brother cared for him to the
best of their ability and loved him well. In spite of having a terminal
diagnosis and significant developmental delays, Samuel lived years
longer and healthier than anticipated.
At age 13, our buddy became completely bedridden, unable to speak
or move anymore, requiring 24/7 skilled nursing care. He was fostered
(nurtured) for 20 months by his Salchert family in our home before
being officially adopted on 9/28/18. He was given the name “Samuel”
at that time because it means, “for this child I have prayed/God has
heard my prayers” and that is absolutely true!
Not a Salchert by biological means, but truly carried in our hearts as
though he had been. He had complete love and attention through his
last hours and wasn’t alone but was held closely as he took his final
breaths. Even though he's not here anymore, we haven’t “lost” him.
We know right where he is, and we will love him forever. What a
privilege to carry him through this life until he left to awake whole and
well in his Heavenly Father's arms.
There's no resting in peace for this kiddo. Samuel Laevell finally has a
perfectly functioning body able to run, and dance, and possibly fly.
Because of Jesus, what a beautiful reunion we’ll have with Samuel,
and our precious daughter, Emmalynn, to look forward to on that
glorious day!
Samuel is survived by his parents, Mark and Cori; his siblings, Sarah
(Paul), Jonathan, Joshua (Tamara), Johanna, Charity, Mary Elisabeth,
Andrew, Emily & Charlie.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Emmalynn.
Funeral services for Samuel will be held at 4:00 P.M. Sunday, October
21, 2018 at the Southside Alliance Church, 4321 County Road A,
Sheboygan. Rev. Jeff Jaeger, Senior Pastor of Crossroads
Community Church will officiate. Visitation will take place at the church
from 2:00 P.M. until the time of service. A private burial will take place
at Calvary Cemetery. We invite all who attend the funeral service to
wear whatever color thought of when anticipating Heaven's beauty.
We'd love to see every color of the rainbow.
We also have the opportunity to pay it forward.
Samuel's nickname is TBear, short for Teddy Bear.
In his honor, and in lieu of flowers, please bring a new teddy bear to
the service. They'll be donated to our local Sheboygan Fire
Department, Orange Cross and Police dept. as trauma bears given to
children in a crisis situation.
Samuel required a great deal of compassionate support and
unconditional love. His value was intrinsic because he was made in
the image of God. He needed many people and services to give him
the best quality of life. This helped him to always be someplace safe
with somebody good.
The family would like to thank TEAM T’BEAR:
Dr. Bill Trager and staff at Sheboygan Pediatrics
The Special Needs staff, and the many doctors, nurses, and therapists
who’ve cared for Samuel at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
Our rockstar social workers Jessica, Katie and Ashley with CHW
Community Services.
Judge Foley, Claire, and Ann Marie for their special attention.
Tamara, not only his sister, but also his caregiver with Almost Family
Orange Cross EMT’s and the staff at St. Nicholas Hospital.
Sheboygan Fire Dept. TBear’s Brothers in blue as they also “adopted”
Samuel and made him an Honorary Fire Fighter
Terra and Beth with Rehab Resources
Dr. John Humphrey, Melissa, and the Palliative Care staff at CHW
Dr. Rich at Knowles Chiropractic
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern WI
Sharon Richardson Hospice especially Penny, Lynn, Marianne and
Rachel for helping us keep Samuel home and with his family through
the end.
Our Crossroad’s Community Church family for helping to carry us
while we carried Samuel.
God bless you all!
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted
with Samuel’s arrangements.
