Samuel Michael Vining

Born April 17, 1992 in Burlington, Wisconsin, Sam was the son of Randi and Kathy (Anhorn) Vining. Sam moved with his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1993. Soccer was the center of Sam's universe beginning at the age of 5. Through it he learned the value of hard work and importance of teamwork. Sam considered his soccer coaches, teammates and their families his extended family. He played competitive soccer for the Tulsa Nationals beginning at age 10 - and continued to do so throughout his tenure at Union High School. Sam graduated with the Class of 2010.

Following high school, Sam played collegiate soccer at NEO College in Miami, Oklahoma. Through the years, he also played indoor soccer and various leagues in the Tulsa community. Sam was employed as a forklift operator for Paragon Pipe, a cook at Savastano's Pizza, worked at Hillcrest Medical Center, and most recently, was a flow lead employed by Amazon. His career with Amazon began in Tulsa, relocated him to Little Rock, and ultimately, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Sam was very compassionate, always striving to help people. He truly desired to make a difference in the lives of others. Through his relationship with his big brother Cory, he learned compassion, love and many other life lessons. Sam loved children and cherished the time he was able to spend with his nieces and nephews.

Sam's love for the outdoors never ended. He loved camping, hiking, and exploring nature. He found a tremendous amount of peace just being on the water. Energetic and adaptable are great words to describe Sam Vining.

May Sam's memory be eternal in the hearts of all who loved him.

Surviving family include his mother, Kathy Vining, his father, Randi Vining and wife, Judy; his brothers, Casey Vining and wife, Missy and their children, Sloane and Emma; Tyler Vining and wife, Madison and their children, Caden, Story, Nolan, Oakland and Acre. His uncles, Mike Anhorn, Jack Anhorn and wife, Deb, Steve Anhorn and wife, Julie, and Scott Anhorn; his aunt, Joy Kowalski and husband, Paul. His cousins, Brian Anhorn and wife, Chandra and their children Jordyn and Rylee, Brent Anhorn, Bradley Anhorn, Paul Hanna, Margo Young and husband Philip and their son, Finnegan, Jeremy Michaud and wife, Sarah and son, Tyler, Philip Kowalski and wife Shelby, as well as extended family and many friends.

Sam was preceded in death by his brother, Cory Vining; his niece, Harbor Vining and his aunt Judy Michaud.
 

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