Samuel Christopher Linderbaum, age 19, entered the peace and rest of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

Sam was born on March 9, 2006, in Waterloo, Iowa to Shaun and Carey Shoff Linderbaum. He was a bright, loving and inquisitive little boy who loved books, Legos, and all kinds of adventures with his parents, brother Kyle, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. As he grew, Sam liked participating in sports, especially football, and enjoyed working out and watching UFC with his brother. He was an avid hiker and video gamer. Sam loved to learn and was an honor student with interests in technology and engineering that he had planned to pursue at Iowa State University.

Left to honor his memory are his parents Carey & Craig Ceilley and Shaun & Kendra Linderbaum, brothers Kyle and Henry Linderbaum, grandparents Jerry & Marti Shoff, Steve & Julie Linderbaum, Sandi Reinhart, Carlton & Kathy Smith, and Bernie & Linda Ceilley, uncles, aunts and cousins, Chris & Meagan Shoff (Sophie & Max), Stacy & Jen Linderbaum (Ariel, Cale & Mason), Kris Hovey, Jennie & Matt Stortz (Katelyn, Kelsey & Luke), Heidi & Marty Rice (Parker, Collin & Addison).

Sam loved to help and would be pleased that his desire to be an organ donor was carried out, providing the means for an extended life and healing for many others.

The family thanks all the teachers, coaches, mentors, and friends who have impacted Sam’s life over the years. Thanks also to the ER staff at Mercy One in Waterloo and to the care team in the ICU at UIHC for their kind and compassionate care through Sam’s final hours.

His passing has left a void in the hearts of family, friends, and everyone’s life who had the gift of knowing him. He will forever be missed.

A celebration of life will be at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball, on Sunday, August 3. Service at 1:00, open house until 4:00.

Memorial gifts may be given to NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) in Sam’s memory.