Memorial
Sammy Vance died by his own choosing on Monday, May 18th, 2026 in Solon, Iowa. Samuel Austin Vance was born to Carol and Gaylen Vance in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on March 17th, 1992.
Unassuming and generous, Sammy was always willing to lend a hand, helping others in quiet ways without ever seeking recognition or something in return. He had a deep love for animals and found joy in witnessing kindness between people. He found pleasure in life’s simple joys—writing limericks, gaming, and engaging in meaningful conversations and spirited debate. His quick wit and dry sense of humor brought laughter and relief to those around him. Though an introvert at heart, Sammy formed meaningful connections through shared interests and conversation. He connected with friends and family through gaming, and he was a high-level player in several competitive games.
Sammy graduated from Solon High School in 2010, where he was an excellent student and competed in varsity track and field for four years, helping his team win a state championship. He was a talented hurdler, snowboarder, and wakeboarder and was drawn to physically demanding adventures.
He worked for several years at Pickwick Manufacturing as a systems integrator on custom-built high-tech machinery. Later, he worked as a mail handler with the United States Postal Service. Sammy had a strong technical aptitude, and he was respected by those he worked with because he was genuine, thoughtful, and willing to speak honestly when something mattered. Sammy was a devoted member of his work community and advocated strongly for fairness and respect in the workplace.
Sammy valued simplicity and believed deeply in a straightforward way of living. Guided by a logical and rational mind, he approached life with conviction and an instinct to strip away what felt unnecessary or inauthentic. These qualities shaped both the strength of his perspective and, at times, the distance he felt from others. Sammy observed the world with a discerning and perceptive eye, often noticing things others would miss. He cared deeply about the state of the world; he was existentially frustrated by injustice and deeply affected by the suffering of others. In his later years, he came to identify as neurodivergent, something that brought him a sense of clarity and self-recognition. He embraced this understanding wholeheartedly and spoke about it with passion.
He is survived by his parents, Gaylen and Carol Vance; his siblings Ben (Kate Parsons) Vance, Jacob Vance and Kari Vance; his grandmother, Mimi Thompson; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his cat, Zoidberg. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Pete Thompson, Ardis and Elaine Vance, and his aunts Gloria Yoder and ReNee Vance.
Visitation will be held on May 29th at Cedar Memorial in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will take place on May 30th at Shueyville Church in Swisher, Iowa, at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow at Cedar Memorial.