Samuel David Wildenauer

Wildenauer, Samuel David died November 25, 2021 at age 27. Sam struggled with opioid addiction. After over 5 years of sobriety, he relapsed and did not survive. The loss to Sam's family and friends is enormous. Sam was a wildly talented person. He was a musician, writer, reader, philosopher, comedian, poet, carpenter, mechanic, handyman on call to his mom and grandparents. Anything Sam cared about he excelled at. He cared about his friends and family deeply, and he excelled at loving us. He always engaged and challenged us in our set ways and tried to be a helper. He filled our hearts with joy. One of Sam's main interests/talents was music. Evolving into a significant skill playing upright bass. He studied music and in particular jazz history, music theory, and technique at the Walker West Academy in St. Paul, with the very best mentors, teachers, and fellow students. When he was 18, he was selected to play with the Dakota Combo. This was a high honor. Sam was a leader in his South High School music programs in Minneapolis. His personality was as loved as his musicianship. He would dazzle people with a smile and a joke. Sam played music "when he was feeling it", with many amazing local artists. Milo Fine was a very early and lifelong mentor, beginning with drum lessons at West Bank School of Music when Sam was 8 or 9 years old. After High School Sam embraced his career in construction. First for survival, then because of his interest in the field and respect for the people he worked with who did it well. Craftsman Construction supported Sam in every way, including his sobriety. On the side, he added "skilled auto mechanic" to his resume, by working with his father on his needy vehicles. Again, quickly becoming proficient at this trade and thoroughly enjoying it. Sam is survived by his parents, Elizabeth Flannery (Scott Olson), Charlie Wildenauer (Dawn Bruesehoff); grandparents, David and Mary Grace Flannery, Sherry Wildenauer; sibling Lux Wildenauer; many aunts, uncles, cousins. And dear friends Kian Melhus, Billy Joe Nelson, John Lace, Sam Skovran, Joe Widing and many others. Rest in Peace dear Sam. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm December 8, 2021 at Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel & Cemetery, 2610 19th Avenue NE, Mpls, MN 55418. Visitation at 1 pm. Washburn-McReavy.com Hillside Chapel 612-781-1999

Published on December 5, 2021