On March 22, 2021, the world lost one of its most kind and gentle souls. Samuel Aaron Larson, age 24, of Mount Vernon, Ohio passed away Monday at his family home in Brampton.
Sam was born December 18, 1996, the son of Susanne (Johnson) Dubord and Jeffery Larson. He worked at Halbinsel Volkswagen in Escanaba, while attending Gladstone High School. After graduating in 2015, Sam headed off to college at the University of Northwestern Ohio, in Lima, OH, earning his AAS degrees in Automotive, Diesel and High Performance Technology and a Diploma in Alternate Fuels. He returned to the Escanaba area after graduation and once again worked at Halbinsel Volkswagen, this time as a Technician. In 2020 he moved back to Ohio and was employed as a Service Technician for Toyota Direct in Columbus.
In addition to his Parents, Susanne and William Dubord Jr. of Brampton, MI and Jeffery Larson of North Dakota, Sam is survived by:
Grandparents: James and Iris (Bonno) Johnson of Brampton, MI, William and Sharon (Hearit) Dubord Sr. of Escanaba, MI, Kermit and Ann Larson of Gladstone, MI and Chire Repp of Escanaba, MI
Great-Grandmother: Eileen (Tony Miron) Erickson Gladstone, MI
Brothers: Alexander (Crystal Corey) Larson of West Bend, WI; Derek (Brianne) Neuman of Green Bay, WI; William (Haile Waters) Dubord III of East Lansing, MI
Sisters: Stephanie (Orin) Thomas of Chippewa Falls, WI; Rebecca Dubord of East Lansing, MI and Autumn Larson of North Dakota
Nephews: Mordecai Corey-Larson, Nathan, Austin and Whyatt Corey all of West Bend, WI
Niece: Willow Thomas of Chippewa Falls, WI
Uncles: Steven (April) Johnson of Gladstone, MI; John (Patti) Dubord of Escanaba, MI; Steven (Barbi) Dubord of Gladstone, MI, Shane (Susie) Larson of Escanaba, MI, Daniel Larson of Escanaba, MI and Kevin Peterson of Cornell, MI
Aunts: Cindie Jones of Hilton Head, SC; Linda (Jay) LeClaire of Escanaba, MI
Great Uncle: Mark Bonno of Escanaba, MI
Great Aunts: Melodi (James) Gravelle of Gladstone, MI; Penny (Fritz) Piette of Black Creek, WI; Candace (Timothy) Barron of Cornell, MI
Childhood best friends: Travis (Kaelyn Wils) Brassick of Perkins, MI; Kolton Houlton of Marquette, MI; Michael Taggart of Gladstone, MI and many additional close friends too numerous to mention. Everybody loved Sam.
Also his very good friends that he met at college who all adopted him and became his Ohio Family: Rob and Karen Bertschy, Mason and Alex Bertschy, Sarah (Kevin Madison) Bertschy, Jim and Jean Bertschy, Steven and Lisa Hinton, Haden Best, Brenda Curry, Andrew Kim and Olivia Lenkei.
Sam was preceded in death by:
Grandfather: Tom Repp
Great Grandparents: Edwin and Beda (Swanson) Johnson, Floyd Bonno, and Marvin “Mush” Erickson.
In honor of Sam, everyone is encouraged to wear one (or both) of his two favorite colors…plaid or blue.
Sam’s family will receive friends on Saturday, from 12:00PM to 3:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow visiting hours, at 3:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with Pastor Paul Culbertson of Wellspring Community Church officiating.
Sarah Bertschy - Hilliard, OH
I was fortunate enough to meet Sam through my Brother, Mason Bertschy. While attending UNOH together for their automotive degrees Sam would make his way home with Mason on weekends. I got to know the gentle giant, the kind hearted man, the silent comedian and goofball that Sam was. Sam was wise beyond his years without being patronizing. He knew something about just about everything, he was easy to talk to.
After finishing his degree at UNOH Sam moved down to Mount Vernon, Ohio to live with my family and work at Toyota Direct with Mason. Sam helped give me tips when I purchased my first gun, he even helped me track my first deer. He was a man of his word. He was a giver. He would help my parents around the house, get things off of high shelves from my mom, and joke around with my 6 year old nephew who fondly referred to him as his potato (their own inside joke).
I am grateful to Sam’s family for raising such a wonderful human being. Anyone who knew Sam would call him a friend, and that’s a very unique and special gift. My brother was lucky to have Sam as his friend and roommate. We came to know Sam through Mason, but Sam left this earth a member of our family. Sam was loved by so many far and wide. His memory will never leave our hearts. Thank to his family for sharing such a special person with us.
Kristen Sandstrom - Gladstone, Mi
Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. Sam was like a son to me! He was always by Mikey’s side. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call or message
Dakota Potvin - Gladstone , MI
I only met you the times you came over to hang out with my brother Dallas. But I’ll always remember the countless laughs you’d get out of me and my brother and everyone else who was blessed to get their lives touched by you. You’re one of the bubbliest, lovable, caring, and smart person ive gotten the honor to meet and get close to. I wish I could’ve got to know you more and be there for you like my brother always was. God bless you, your friends and family. May he guide us all through these tough times. You’ll always be remembered and loved ❤️
judy possi - Rock, MI
Chire and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your grandson. God’s Peace to all of you.
Kelly Arnold - Escanaba, MI
Please know how much my heart goes out to Sam’s entire family & friends–special prayers to you Sue, that God will give you strength. Hugs, love and prayers to all.
Micki and Dale Sarasin - Gladstone, Mi
Susie, I am so sorry , I never knew him but I remember the stories you told me about your boys. I remember when you told me they did their oun laundry. And I can laugh about that now.. I do what you to remember he is no fewer than a thought away. Hell always live in your heart ,some day you will have a grandchild that will look just like your Sam. And than will do things that will remind you of him. Know that I love you and care for you. Micki
Mike & Kristin Bourdeau - Gladstone , Mi
We were lucky enough to meet Sam thru Travis & Kaelyn. He was a wonderful & kind soul. This world is a little less bright without him in it. Prayers to Sam’s family. You’re in our family’s thoughts & prayers.
Brent Larson - Gladstone, MI
Sam was a good man and a great friend. He was always willing to lend a hand. It’s crazy to think he’s gone from all the memories from high school his crazy obsession for miatas and just his laugh and smile.. He will be truly missed.. Sam had one of those personalities that could always lighten anyone’s mood. From competing in Skills USA or goofing off in Automotive class Sam was always a blast to be around.. He would stop by from time to time during his adventures back and fourth from Ohio.. It was always nice to catch up when he came around. It’s sad to hear he’s gone.. Rest Easy Buddy. Until we meet again..
Helene Tebear - Escanaba, MI
Sorry to you all.for your lose .. in our thoughts and heart and prayers.
David & Diane Miller - Minot, ND
Only met Sam a few times when he came to visit with family in Minot, ND. Very nice young man and kind. I know many are mourning his loss.
Judy Rumptz - Port Huron, MI
May you and your family be comforted by beautiful memories that will always be in your thoughts and the special Love that will always be in your heart prayers and much love to all of you I’m so very sorry for your great loss
Christine Croasdelk - Rock, MI
Our sympathy to you, Iris and your family. Christine and Phillip Croasdell