Samuel Emery Bossingham passed away on October 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Throughout his remarkable 103 years, Sam faced countless challenges that he not only survived, but thrived in spite of. Through it all, he remained focused, hard-working, and determined, with an unrelenting spirit.

He miraculously survived some of the most defining battles in World War II. At just 18 years old, Sam was drafted into US Army serving in the 81st Chemical Battalion as a sergeant. He led a team of 26 soldiers and participated in some of the war’s most significant campaigns, including the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach, the fighting at Saint-Lô, France, and the Battle of the Bulge. His service earned him a commendation at Antwerp, Belgium and, many years later, a personal signed letter from President Joe Biden thanking him for his extraordinary service and sacrifice.

Following the war, Sam entered the electrical trade. His first notable project was constructing the Mackinac Bridge. His last project was the completion of Corson Auditorium at the Interlochen Centre for the Arts in 1975.

Sam, alongside his brother Art and two other men co-founded of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, (IBEW) Local 498 in Traverse City, Michigan in 1949.

He also played an instrumental role in establishing the union’s pension plan, creating lasting security for generations of working men and women.

He built a career, raised a family, and maintained a horse farm with the help of his children. He was still riding at his beloved homestead at the age of 98.

Sam was born on October 21, 1923, to the late Morris Bossingham Senior and Anna Elizabeth Emery in Rosebud, South Dakota. Through his mother, he was a member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe.

Sam worked for several local Ranchers from 12 to 17 years old. It was there that he honed his skills and developed a lifelong interest in horses. The family moved to Interlochen, Michigan in 1941.

In 1947 he married Ann Magdalene Henigan. Together they shared 71 years of marriage, building a life and raising six children before Ann’s passing in 2018 at their home. Their life together was filled with family and hard work. They also endured the heartbreaking loss of their son Jeffrey to leukemia at just five years old.

In retirement, He traveled to his home state, South Dakota twice a year.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Ann, his son Jeffrey, his daughter-in-law Maria, and 10 siblings, Curtis (Violet) Bossingham, Maurice Jr “Sonny” (Hazel) Bossingham, Margaret (Harvey) Thompson, Ann Sokolik, Walter Bossingham, Arthur (Barbara) Bossingham, Mona (Kenneth) Ramsay, Adell (Lloyd) Boyd, Mary Lou (Doug) Denny and Robert Bossingham.

He leaves behind a loving family and a legacy spanning generations. He is survived by his children, Andrea (Rodney) Sheffield, Sammie Burgess, Samuel Joseph (Maria) Bossingham, Lisa Eckler and Kevin Bossingham, his grandchildren, Stephanie (Charlie) Simmons, Ryan (Kristi) Sheffield, Melissa Burgess, Amber Anderson, Errica Burgess, Erica (Steve) McMillin, Seth (Jess) Bossingham, Anna Macjewski, Ben (Mary Kathryn) Eckler , Jade (Trevino) Brings Plenty, Calvin Bossingham, Casey (Mackenzie) Bossingham, and Emily Bossingham, as well as 31 great, grandchildren, and eight great, great grandchildren.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to those who helped make Sam’s final years so meaningful. Special thanks to his son Kevin, who dedicated his life to his parents and the family’s horse farm, ensuring Sam could continue to visit the horses each week, and to his daughter Lisa for her dedication, care and support. The family also is very grateful to his niece Cathie and her husband, Don Bott for faithfully administering Holy Communion to Sam every weekend; his granddaughters, Amber, Errica and Missie for their loving devotion and care; and the many family members and friends whose love, support, and prayers surrounded him.

Sam had made many wonderful friends during his stay at Joy Givers, and he was grateful for each of them.

Sam was a member of the Greatest Generation, a centenarian, a soldier, a builder, a union pioneer and a horseman.

He leaves behind more than a century of stories, a legacy of hard work and perseverance, and generations of his family who will carry his spirit forward.

The family extends their sincere gratitude and thanks to Father Greg from Hannah St Mary’s Church.

At Sam’s request, a service will be held in the spring of 2027 at St. Mary’s of Hannah Church. A date and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Sam’s name at Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 and St. Mary’s of Hannah Church, 2912 West M 113 Kingsley MI, 49649.

Rest easy, cowboy.