Sam “Sammy” Shonkwiler,18, of St. Joseph passed on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
Sammy was born on January 23, 2007, in Urbana, the son of Craig and Carly (Koebel) Shonkwiler.
He is survived by his parents of St. Joseph, brother Max Shonkwiler of Champaign, grandparents Frank and Cindy Koebel of Monticello, grandmother Janet Shonkwiler of Monticello, great-grandmother Jean Ashbrook of Monticello, aunt Katie (John) Miglin of Bloomington, uncle Kent (Jenny) Shonkwiler of Bement, and cousins Calin, Ellie, and Aiden Shonkwiler.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather Deak Shonkwiler and aunt Stephanie Shonkwiler.
Sammy was a 2025 graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School where he played football and track. He was a member of the Early College Career Academy, Construction Trades, at Parkland College during his senior year.
Sammy had such a big heart and a smile for everyone. He was always willing to talk to anybody. He loved our dog Bella and had a special bond with Coco, our kitty, who would call for him outside his bedroom door until he let her in so they could hang out.
He loved working out at the gym, playing video games and working on vehicles with his friends. Hanging out with his friends meant a lot to him. He enjoyed going on road trips for breakfast at various places with them too. On a recent senior trip to Cancun, he developed a kinship with some guys from Canada. One of the guys told a buddy that everyone needs a Sammy in their life. His family and friends will always love and miss him.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
For those wishing to make a donation in Sammy’s honor, a memorial fund has been set up in his name at the Gifford State Bank in St. Joe. The fund will provide scholarships to Sammy’s alma mater, St. Joseph-Ogden High School, focusing on seniors who wish to receive training in construction building trades.
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