Samuel "Sam" Robert Turnquist

Samuel “Sam” Robert Turnquist, age 38, has joined our Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven.  He was taken from us unexpectedly and too soon, he succumbed quickly to pneumonia, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.  He was the beloved son of Rob and Amy and the cherished brother to Louise. 

Sam was born July 11, 1985. He was raised in Woodbury Minnesota.  In school, Sam was a swimmer and played football. But it was his large extended family that was paramount in Sam’s life. Close family time with Rob, Amy, and Louise (Jason) was always special. Sam loved his big extended family. He had 21 aunts and uncles, 54 first cousins, and many second cousins. His favorite times were with his family. He followed every sporting event on a daily basis. Sam loved the outdoors, fishing, swimming, chopping wood, bonfires, and especially pontoon rides around Leech Lake with family, friends, and his two precious dogs, Pitch and Einstein.

Sam graduated from Bemidji State University majoring in Education. He worked the last 7 years for Cass Lake-Bena Middle School. He loved his school and was proud of the work he did. He loved to greet his kids as they came through the door each day. He always went the extra mile to reach out to his special students and staff. He was always grateful for the great memories he made at school.

Sam will be remembered for his kindness, gentleness, and positive energy. He was a big man, full of life and joy. You would melt in his big strong arms as he gave you warm grizzly bear hugs. Sam always put a smile on your face, and he lit up every room he walked into. He was a joy to be around and an amazing human. It is not fair he was taken too soon, but we know he is safe in heaven. We love him so very much and we will miss him forever. We Love You Sam!

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Sam’s will be Saturday, April 13th, 2024, 11:00 a.m., with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., all to be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Walker, MN. Father Trevor Peterson will officiate. Sam’s pallbearers are John Prall, Theodore Joyce, Lauren O’Brien, Patricia O’Brien, Benjamin O’Brien, Elizabeth Epland, Brady O’Brien, and Abby O’Brien. Interment will be in Calvery Catholic Cemetery in Saint Paul, MN, on Monday, April 15th at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Sam’s memory may make a donation to the Cass Lake-Bena Middle School.

Sam’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel "Sam" Robert Turnquist, please visit our floral store.