Samuel "Sam" Lee DeKuiper, 22, of Traverse City passed away tragically following a car accident on Friday, May 3, 2024.

Sam was born on August 11, 2001 in Traverse City, MI to Dennis and Brenda (Suttner) DeKuiper. He graduated from Traverse City West High School in the class of 2019 and pursued his passions for mechanical engineering and baseball at Lawrence Technological University, graduating with honors in the class of 2023. In January of 2024, he embarked on a promising career as a mechanical engineer at Thompson Surgical Instruments.

A remarkable individual, Sam was known for his exceptional athleticism and unwavering dedication to everything he pursued. He was admired by many for his genuine kindness, infectious laughter, his amazing smile and the profound love he had for life. Sam's magnetic personality drew people to him, and he leaves behind a multitude of cherished friends and teammates who held him dear in their hearts.

In addition to his athletic prowess and professional achievements, Sam's character shined brightly. He never uttered a negative word about anyone and approached life with optimism and grace. His presence brought joy to all who knew him, and his memory will forever be treasured. This coming summer he had big plans to propose to his high school sweetheart Samantha. They loved having fun together and enjoyed sports, hiking, playing games, days on Long Lake and sunset campfires at Esch Road Beach. They were so excited to build a life together.

Sam's legacy of love, kindness, and determination will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable spirit.

Sam is survived by his parents, Dennis and Brenda, his sister Cassidy, his grandmothers, Patricia DeKuiper and Shirley Price, his aunts and uncles, Doug (Carla) DeKuiper, Paula Jones, Nancy (Tom) Modd, Jeff (Therese) Suttner, Shelly (Leon) Nadler, Sherry Buechel (special friend John Walters), Connie (Pat) Hess, John (Denyse) Suttner, the love of his life Samantha "Sam" Schermerhorn, her parents Thomas and Lisa Schermerhorn, Samantha's siblings, Michael and Sara Schermerhorn, along with many other cousins, family members, teammates, teachers, coaches and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandfathers Harlee Suttner, Stanley DeKuiper, and Melvin Price, Uncles Joe Jones and Lee Buechel, and cousin Myles Hess.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 10 from 4-7pm and Saturday, May 11 from 10am-noon at New Hope Community Church. Sam's funeral service will start at noon and also be livestreamed at newhope.cc on Saturday followed by a luncheon. Burial will take place around 4pm at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to samdekuipermemorial.com or Sam DeKuiper Memorial Fund, PO Box 5222, c/o State Savings Bank, Traverse City, MI 49696.

Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com