Samuel J. Chadwick

Samuel Jay Chadwick, loving son, brother, boyfriend, and friend lost his yearlong battle with osteosarcoma on May 11, 2024. Sam was surrounded by loved ones at MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, TX, as he entered Heaven. He was 25 years old. 

A visitation will be 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Mater Dei Parish-Church of the Nativity, 4242 Natalia Way, with a rosary at 6:30 pm followed by a prayer service.   Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Friday May 24, 2024, at Church of the Nativity, with burial in St. John’s Cemetery in Jackson, NE.

Samuel Jay Chadwick was born November 3, 1998, in Sioux City, IA to Jay and Julianne (Twohig) Chadwick, his adventurous spirit obvious from the start. He attended Mater Dei and Sunnyside Elementary and graduated from East High School in 2017, making many lifelong friends along the way with his easy spirit and million-dollar smile. 

Sam was an amazing athlete, hunter, and fisherman; these passions were second only to his love for his family, friends and the many dogs that were a part of his life. He began his sports career by playing hockey at just 3 years old and continuing throughout his youth. Sam played (right or left) winger for the Sioux City Metros where he was honored to serve as captain for a talented team. Lifelong friendships were made as the team, along with their families, traveled across the Midwest to play.

While winters were dedicated to hockey, summers were spent at the baseball field where he showed his tremendous talent and athleticism. During high school, he was proud to play East High Raider baseball as a varsity catcher for all 4 years with all-conference honors. 

Sam enjoyed anything and everything outdoors from hunting, fishing, spending his time on the Missouri River, and golfing with his grandpa Fred. His favorite place, the historic Jim Clark Duck Camp, was truly a part of Sam’s soul. He could often be found, dog at his side, maneuvering his boat up and down the isles of the Mighty Mo. Sam went on many great hunting and fishing adventures with his family and friends, traveling all over the Midwest sharing his wisdom and experiences with anyone he met.

Always drawn to the outdoors, he began working at Any Seasons Ground Care during high school. This was where he learned and honed many skills – including the operation of complex machinery. He held this position until he decided to follow his passion for the outdoors and pursue his dream to become a fishing guide. Sam earned his USCG Captain’s License and was privileged to work for Ballard’s Resort on Lake of the Woods, Minnesota. Here he truly shone as he shared what he loved and guided many people, further extending his cohort of lifelong friendships. Sam’s hope for the future was to make hunting, fishing, and farming his full-time career.

Sam was a member of the Mater Dei Parish. His faith, along with his family, guided him in every every aspect of his life. He volunteered his time with many programs, including Giving Back Outdoors and Steubenville Youth Conference.

Sam left an impact on every person he met with his caring and selfless nature. He was quick to offer a wide smile and hug to anyone who needed it; he often downplayed his own issues to find out what was going on with others. He had a talent for making people special and reminding them of their worth – a treasure that will live with those of us who were lucky enough to have called him friend, family, or both.

The family is eternally grateful for the wonderful doctors and nurses at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for the immense care and encouragement they showed Sam and the family during his battle with cancer. 

Grateful to have shared his life and left to treasure his memory are his parents, Jay and Julie (Twohig) Chadwick, Jackson, Ne; siblings Lauren Chadwick (fiancé Kyle Reed), Omaha, NE, Lucas Chadwick, Casey Chadwick, Jackson, NE; girlfriend Keali Mari, Jackson, NE; grandparents Rodney (Tom) and Coleen (Dinges) Twohig, Jackson, NE, Carol (Moen) Chadwick, Sioux City, IA; numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends. 

Sam was preceded in death by his Grandfather Fred Chadwick, and Great Aunts Susan Chadwick and Linda Chadwick. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Sam’s name that will be used to grant hunting, fishing and other outdoor experiences for adults and children with life threatening illnesses.