SUN PRAIRIE - Samuel “Sam” Matthew Gitzlaff, age 10, died tragically following a UTV accident on Saturday, August 8, 2026. He was born on September 30, 2015, in Madison, the son of Matthew Gitzlaff and Brittany (Brux) Gitzlaff.

Sam attended Horizon Elementary School in Sun Prairie. Sam loved animals, especially dogs, and enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved camping, kayaking, and riding his scooter. Some of his favorite memories were camping at the Dells with his dad and brother, kayaking on the Wisconsin River, a family vacation to Mexico, and a road trip to Colorado. Sam shared a true brother’s bond with Henry. Like all true brothers, they loved hard and fought hard, trading arguments and teasing one minute and forgetting about it in the next.

Sam enjoyed scary movies, Spider-Man, Benson Boone, and Stranger Things. He was fearless, outgoing, and always spoke his mind. He loved to talk and never met a stranger. Beneath all his high-energy mischief was a deeply big-hearted kid who fiercely cared for his friends.

Sam is survived by his parents, Matthew and Brittany Gitzlaff; brother, Henry Gitzlaff; grandparents, Tom and Judy Gitzlaff; grandmother, Kathy Johnson; grandfather, Al Brux; golden retriever, Tallulah; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, with Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit Sam’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the service and click on "Watch Now" in the Webcast section. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. A Celebration of Life will be held at the WAUNAKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 201 N. Madison St., Waunakee, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026. In honor of Sam’s dislike of formalities, the family invites everyone to dress comfortably for his service-please leave the suits and ties at home and wear your favorite shades of blue.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sam's memory to Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin or Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Samuel Matthew Gitzlaff

September 30, 2015 - August 08, 2026

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