NEW ULM–Samuel “Sam” Joseph Poquette, known by many as Pokey died unexpectedly in a tragic car accident near Kensett, Iowa on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-South Chapel in New Ulm. Friends and guests are encouraged to share stories and good memories of Sam’s life at this service. This service will be live-streamed through the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

A memorial visitation will take place from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home- South Chapel. The visitation will continue from 12-1 p.m. on Thursday prior to the service. To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Sam is survived by his partner, Tana Osweiler of New Ulm; his children, Jaycie and Tripp Poquette of New Ulm; his father, Jack (Missy Kemp) Poquette of New Ulm; his brothers, Luke (Phoebe) Poquette of New Ulm, Corey (Ashley) Poquette of Richmond, Texas; his paternal grandfather, John Poquette of Aurora, Illinois; his uncle Dave Volness of Arlington, Minnesota; and countless other family members and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Katie Volness; his brother, Jacob Poquette; his maternal grandparents, Jean and Arnold Volness; his paternal grandmother, Diane Poquette; and close family friend, Keith Hurajt.

Samuel “Sam” Joseph Poquette was born May 9, 1991, in Aurora, Illinois to Jack Poquette and Katie Volness. The family eventually moved to southern Minnesota where Sam spent his childhood. Sam attended school at Riverbend, and later attained his GED. As someone who was always eager to learn, Sam furthered his education at St. Cloud Technical College where he attained his associate’s degree in liberal arts, and later went to school at Mankato State University where he studied Music Business. He met the love of his life, Tana Osweiler on April 5, 2010, and together they raised their children, Jaycie and Tripp in New Ulm. Sam worked for many years at the KFC/Taco Bell in New Ulm where he worked his way to General Manager. His entrepreneurial spirit took him in other directions later in life when he put his knowledge and passion of the smoke industry to good use. Sam was the assistant manager of the New Ulm Smoke Shop, and recently, the proud owner of the Fairmont Smoke Shop. Sam not only provided quality products for his customers but fostered a welcoming environment in his shops for all. His shops were known for their friendly atmosphere and Sam’s infectious passion for what he did. As a lifelong fan of the music group Insane Clown Posse, he proudly considered himself a Juggalo and often shared his love for their music and culture with others, creating a unique bonded community. Beyond his business, Sam was a dedicated activist, tirelessly advocating for the legalization and destigmatization of cannabis. He believed in educating others about the benefits of cannabis and promoting safety and awareness in all aspects. He was active in multiple Minnesota cannabis activism groups including Sensible Change MN, as well as MN Vets 4 Cannabis. Sam was a strong voice for reform, working to change perceptions and support those who sought the healing properties of cannabis. Sam had an unrivaled passion for life, an attitude which would spread to and affect all those he met and cared for. Sam was always there for anyone who was in need, regardless of how it would affect him. He will be forever remembered for his kind and caring heart. He was taken from us entirely too soon but the many memories he created with his loved ones, and countless others, will forever stay in the hearts and minds of those who knew him best.

Mvfh.org

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