Samuel Stein Upthegrove

Samuel Stein Upthegrove, 36, of Eau Claire, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026. Sam was born in Superior, Wisconsin on April 17, 1989, beloved son of Jim and Marcy Upthegrove. From the moment he entered this world, his bright smile and gentle chuckle brought light into every room. He had a way of making people laugh without even trying–it was simply who he was.

As a little boy at Deep Lake, Sam could be found in his bright red galoshes, fishing pole in one hand, container of worms in the other, determined to fish no matter the weather. He knew all the “secret spots,” yet somehow could still reel in a monster fish right off the dock. Fishing wasn’t just something he did–it was a part of him.

At the old family cabin, his adventurous spirit showed itself early. One summer day, while waiting for his sister to finish using the outhouse, he insisted, “Kwissy, deres a bear up in dat twee!!” Not believing him at first, she looked up and sure enough, a bear was shimmying down the tree right in front of them! They shut the outhouse door and stayed quiet until the coast was clear. That was Sam, observant, brave, and always looking out for the people he loved. 

As a child, Sam enjoyed tinkering in the garage, driving the go-kart lap after lap in the hardware store parking lot, and spending time with loved ones, especially grandparents. Sam proudly earned third place in the Pinewood Derby–a racecar still kept, along with the Polaroid photo of him beaming while showing the trophy to his Grandpa and Grandma Gen. Even then, his pride wasn’t about winning, it was about sharing the moment with those he cared about most. 

He had a playful side that never left him. As a kid, Sam would grin and ask, “hey, got a ‘doughllar’?” with that smirk that only he could get away with. It became one of those small family sayings that still makes us smile. 

Sam was fiercely supportive of his family. He was his mom’s biggest cheerleader, encouraging her cancer recovery workouts and even helping her navigate technology (with plenty of laughter along the way!) Supporting the people he loved was part of his nature. 

He loved to learn and grow, cared deeply for others, and always made time for great conversation. As a generously kind listener, Sam was always able to make others feel heard while offering perspectives that often felt wise beyond his years. To converse with Sam was a joy and his bright observations will be deeply missed.

Sam’s laugh and goofy personality, as an avid board-game player, will be missed by family who loved to visit with him. From chess to Go Fish, no game was dull when Sam was at the table. His niece and nephew will forever cherish their memories playing games and being silly with their Uncle Sam.

Sam is survived by his father, Jim Upthegrove of Iron River; his mother, Marcy (Stein) Upthegrove of Eau Claire; four brothers, Steve (Kelly) of Manassas, VA, Jason of Superior, Robert of Oshkosh, and James of Ashland; two sisters, Shelley (Justin) Blanchette of Neenah, and Kristina of Eau Claire; several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Sam was preceded in death by both of his maternal and paternal grandparents; his aunt, Judie (Roger) Erola and uncle, Bernard Stein.

Sam’s life was woven deeply into ours – in fishing lines cast at sunrise, in cabin stories retold for years, in laughter that still echoes. His spirit, his loyalty, and the light he brought to those around him will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7th at the Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls.

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