Samantha Skye Neiss, 11, of Neenah, WI, went to live with Jesus on Tuesday August 29th, 2023, after fighting liver cancer (Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma) for 1,041 days. She fought so bravely and courageously until her very last breath. We prayed so hard for a miracle, it wasn't the miracle we wanted, but it was the miracle God knew she needed. She is no longer in pain or suffering. Her heart and soul were not done fighting, but her body just couldn't keep up anymore.
Samantha was born in Wichita, KS, on February 14, 2012, she was getting ready to start 6th grade, art class and Fall Jazz dance class. Music has always been her lifeline, dancing was always in her soul, her heartbeat was fueled by her singing, and her voice had healing powers.
She is survived by her Father Jason, Mother Kirsten, her brother Elliott and sister Eleanor, her siblings are just as amazing as she was in every way. As well as, she is survived and loved by grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, her little cousin, and many other people that grew to love and care about her in her 11 years of adventures in this life. Many that followed her on social media will remember the light, love, laughter, and kindness she blessed us all on this earth.
A visitation for Samantha will be held Friday September 8, 2023, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather again on Saturday September 9, 2023, at Encounter Church, 1008 Hyland Ave, Kaukauna from 10:00am until 12:00pm. A memorial service will begin at 12:00pm that same day.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established or please consider a donation to the Fibrolamellar Foundation
https://fibrofoundation.org
Samantha was not blessed to be cured here on earth, but we are not done fighting for her! Your donations for this organization will fund the research needed to find better treatments that will one day cure Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma. We hope a cure can be found soon, so other parents do not have to live with a hole in their hearts like we do. Samantha was such a bright light in our lives, life doesn't feel right without her.
Samantha's one request was for people to share joy. Painted rocks are her chosen method. Paint two rocks, leave one in the family "rock box" at their home, and place around somewhere in your hometown. You will also be able to create a rock for the rock box at the visitation.
For those unable to attend Samantha's service, it will be livestreamed on this page.
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Sam wouldn't want people to solely wear black. She would want color, some black is fine, but add a pop of color/sparkle! We don't say goodbye, we say see you later! Sam always said, "See you later alligator." Sam was full of Life, as shall be her Celebration of Life!
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