Sebastian J. Samuel Hernandez

Sebastian J. Samuel Hernandez, known to most simply as “Sam”, passed away, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Stillwater, MN, on September 6, 2025, at the age of 95, being born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on January 20, 1930. He lived a long, full life marked by love, service, music and an unwavering fight for justice and human rights.

Sam proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War era. His own education ranges from Delavan High School (MN) to Mankato State University to Florida State University to Macalester College (Master’s) to nearly a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. For decades, Sam taught History and Spanish, became Assistant Principal and then a District consultant on Hispanic Urban Affairs in St. Paul and involved in nationwide training in major corporations and higher education programs for cultural diversity, human relations and cross-cultural communication. Deeply involved in the 70s Chicano Movement and civil rights work, Sam spent his career opening doors for others, because he believed in the power of education to influence and change lives, so he fought tirelessly for fairness, opportunity and cultural pride. Sam’s interests and knowledge span a wide range of topics of history and contributions of all ethnic groups; his own personal interest from jazz to Dixieland and musical ability from a young age; an avid aviation enthusiast and all sorts of cars; through an endless capacity of life story telling and a unique sense of humor, he valued and loved life.

Sam is survived by his wife, Peggy; his children: Sheree Renee (& Alan), Vince (& Maria), Tracy, and also Leonel; his 6 grandchildren: Cassandra, Penelope, Blake, Audrey K, Aaliyah, and Mykala; his siblings: Beatrice, + Chris, and Emily – along with nieces, nephews and extended family. He is preceded in death by his other siblings: Isidore, Linus, Ciriaco, and Frank.

Sam’s legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the influence he had as a nationwide speaker, writer, civil and human rights activist and advocate, mentor, educator and friend to all. His lifetime of service for and with others, making everyone feel seen, valued and needed; will continue to inspire all who knew him; his passion for education and civil rights, his service to his country in so many ways, and his compassion for humanity.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the Lakeview Hospital Home, Hospice and Palliative Care team members for their loving care and support, and most recently the Moments Hospice team.

A ceremony will be held and open to the public at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN on October 16, 2025 at 9:00am to honor and celebrate the life well-lived by Sam.

In honor of Sam’s lifelong commitment to community and justice; in lieu of flowers, donations preferred to be made to: Macomb Immigrant Service Center (MISC) via Zelle (586-484-9038) or by check.