Samuel David Engbrecht, 78, of Dubuque died Saturday, December 20, 2025.  In keeping with his wishes, a private entombment was held at Linwood Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 6, at 11 am at  Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1755 Delhi Street. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9 to 11 am.

Sam was born August 2, 1947 in Chillwack, British Columbia, Canada, son of David and Esther (Lutke) Engbrecht. He worked as a nurseryman before coming to the United States.

He met Elizabeth Riley at a Youth Leader’s Conference in Dallas, Texas.  They were married at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on November 10, 1973. They celebrated 52 years together.

Sam worked in environmental services at Wartburg Seminary for 29 years. He became a United States citizen on December 16, 1997.

Sam was a man of great faith. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as head usher and ran the audio/visual equipment for many years. While living on Parkway Street, he made sure the church was locked and secure every evening.

A true hockey fan, he volunteered with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Sam was also a volunteer at Finley Hospital for many years.

Sam considered himself “a servant of God under construction.”

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Engbrecht, of Dubuque; a brother, Harvey (Lorrie) Engbrecht of Canada; a niece  and a nephew; and a sister in law, Jane (Steve) Murray of Madison, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Norman Engbrecht.

Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hospice of Dubuque, or the Dubuque Arboretum.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Matthew Kirkendall, Luther Manor, and Hospice of Dubuque for all their care.