Samuel Robert Murray, 15

Samuel Robert Murray, age 15 of Stevens Point, was born February 7, 2003, in Marshfield to Joshua & Brenda Murray.

With his loving parents by his side, Samuel left this world swiftly, peacefully and without pain on Sept. 27, 2018.

Suffering an intrauterine stroke left Sam with a lifetime of challenges. Despite these, we loved him deeply and unconditionally, just the way he was. He was our Sam. We parented tirelessly, making decisions we thought best, giving him the quality of life he deserved. A dignified life was our number one priority for Samuel. It was what we had to offer him.

Samuel’s smile was infectious. You just had to smile when he did. His laugh was the center of joy in our household. He was the world’s best listener and keeper of secrets.

Samuel’s younger brothers loved him very much. They learned patience and grace from him at an early age that only an older brother could teach.

He taught us, his parents, love doesn’t always look like what you think. That being home is the best place to be and that perspective is everything.

The number of lives he touched is immeasurable. His impact crossed the boundaries of experts and medical professionals as well as those close to him. His spirit left you changed forever. All are better for knowing Sam.

Samuel is survived by his parents, Joshua and Brenda Murray; younger brothers, Simon and Solomon; maternal grandparents, Ward & Ramona Wolff, Stevens Point; paternal grandparents, Robert & Peggy Murray, Rockford, Ill. and Greg Koerber and Mary Murray, Appleton. He is further survived by great-grandmother, Betty Murray, Stevens Point; aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous extended family members.

We would also like to give a special thanks to Dr. Margo Hoover-Regan & Julie Slattery NP, Pediatric Palliative Care, and Emily Meyer NP, Pediatric Neurosurgery, American Family Children’s Hospital, Madison; Dr. Zachary Baeseman, ThedaCare, Waupaca; and Deb Pierce-Johnson and Kallie Keith, Portage County Health & Human Services for supporting and aiding us in making Sam’s quality of life the best it could be.

And our highest gratitude to Sam’s nurses, Julie Valhard and Theresa Stieber, who helped us care for him at home, allowing us the opportunity to give his younger brother’s our undivided attention.

Please join us in celebrating Sam’s life, Saturday, Oct. 6 from 2-5 p.m. at Boston Funeral Home, Stevens Point.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Samuel’s name to The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison.