Sutton C. Lauinger
November 25, 1988 ~ July 15, 2023
Sutton’s Funeral Mass can be viewed below starting at 2:00 PM Thursday, July 20, 2023.
Sutton Lauinger was welcomed into heaven with open arms by his mother on July 15, 2023 surrounded by his family and friends.
We will get this out of the way early; Cancer took our beloved Sutton. In Suttons case it goes back to a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in the summer of 2009. After 14-plus years of treatments, anxiety, pain, and occasional moments of hope it came down to a brutal new diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia that made it impossible for his body to no longer carry on. He never lost one battle but instead had battles stacked against him that made it impossible for his body to continue the fight.
Sutton was welcomed into this world on November 25, 1988 by the most caring and loving parents; Arnie and Stacy Lauinger, and his big brother, Jardie Lauinger. Sutton grew up enjoying hunting, fishing, and going to the lake with his family and friends. He had a passion for his dogs, Norman, Boz, and Bruce. He graduated from Fargo South High School in 2007 and went on to North Dakota State University to earn his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2012 despite fighting his ongoing cancer battle. After graduation, Sutton started his career at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch making a huge impact on so many young individuals. He grew his career in helping others by becoming the Volunteer and Development coordinator with Make-A-Wish North Dakota. Finally, he found his niche as a Business Development Specialist for Kinetic Leasing. Where he built lifelong relationships with his colleagues and customers. The Kinetic family was very supportive and understanding of the difficult challenges he faced.
While in college, Sutton had planned to go out for a fun night but instead spotted a girl in a purple dress and called dibs. That day in April of 2009 changed his life forever. Two short months after meeting the love of his life, Sutton was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Sheena Houkom never left his side through the multitude of hospital stays, doctor appointments, and the dreaded test results. Obviously, this continued for many years until the best day came which happened on August 27, 2016 where Sutton and Sheena became one. The most beautiful day surrounded by family and friends, a day they didn’t have to worry about anything but their true love to each other. The saying goes, “first comes love, next comes marriage, and then comes the baby in the baby carriage.” Through the help of medicine, the couple had their miracle baby boy Conrad David Lauinger on July 9, 2021. The day that gave Sutton his proudest title, Daddy.
This isn’t how Sutton expected his final chapter would be written. He had dreams like everyone but had a lot of them. The most important dream he wanted more than anything in life was to raise his little boy, Conrad. He wanted to be his daddy.
His time on earth was shortened by far too many years. He dreamed of many more years with his wife, the one that supported him throughout every step of his brutal journey. Sutton had a long list of “To-do’s”, so many more years of hunting, woodworking, building his dream car, raising and supporting his family or buying something that he absolutely needed for himself. One of the last things Sutton wrote on his to do list was to start a non-profit to help others like himself fighting cancer to get into clinical trials. It just shows even when he was fighting the most impossible battle, he remained selfless and was still looking forward to help others. Sutton had a big impact on everyone he met through his big smile, loud laugh, and ridiculous jokes. He will never be forgotten as being the life of the party. Sutton maintained his courage and held so strong throughout his fight to be with his family and friends.
Conrad will never forget his daddy and the love he had for him.
Sutton is survived by his wife, Sheena; son, Conrad; father, Arnie; brother, Jardie (Lydia); nephews, Julian and Elliott; father-in-law, David (JoLynn) Houkom; mother-in-law, Deb (Todd) Florey; brother and sister-in-law, Seth (Haylee) Houkom; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and good buddies.
Sutton was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Stacy; uncles, Joe and Jim; grandparents, Rose, Conrad, Richard and Karen; cousin, Steve; and friend, Andy.
The family would like to thank everyone for the ongoing support and prayers these last 14 years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions in Sutton’s name can be made to his family via https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-sutton-lauinger-and-family
Services
Visitation - Thursday: July 20, 2023 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo
5202 25th St. S.
Fargo , North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-5757
https://stsaaj.org/
Memorial Mass: July 20, 2023 2:00 pm
Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo
5202 25th St. S.
Fargo , North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-5757
https://stsaaj.org/
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So very sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for you all.
Al & Theresa Streifel
I wish there were words to say how sorry we are, there are no words. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and our prayers. Sutton was a beautiful soul, that boys 100-watt smile and laughter could light up a room. His sense of humor was always present even when he wasn’t feeling well. While his life was cut short, the life that he did have, he lived it to the fullest.
Love you all,
Jeff and Becki
Sutton was an Amazing young man and will be missed by so many. Truly one of the good ones who will be reunited w/ our Beautiful Stacy. My thoughts, prayers, and Heart goes out to my wonderful family members as you navigate through Sutton’s loss. I love you all so much and I’m devastated, but also at Peace knowing Sutton is finally free from the pain he had to endure for so long. I know Sutton will be keeping a close eye on his beautiful wife Sheena and their little boy Conrad. May God Bless you and keep you close.
So very sorry for your loss. Stacy was a great friend & she loved her boys. She will be there to welcome Sutton home. Our most heart felt condolences to all of your family. Many prayers for your family.
Very sorry Arnie for your loss, just was notified, had fun with Sutton at ur place a few times, miss that time and thinking of you.
Sheena- I can’t imagine what you are going through but know you have so many people who love you so much and are here for you. Nothing can be said to make anything better right now. Sending love and prayers for your family.
I had the honor of working with Sutton at DBGR. He was great with the kids – the kind of “real” you can’t fake and that a lot of kids in that situation look up to. I distinctly remember working through some tough days with him. He never gave up on the kids and always had his fellow employees’ back. We were all made better by having him around.
Sheena, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time. Angie
Arnie, thinking of you at this time of loss. Prayers to you and your family.
There are no words to express our sorrow for the loss of our Sutton. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad and difficult time. Sutton fought a tough battle. We will always remember him for his contagious smile and love of life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Beth
Sheena,
I’m so sorry on the loss of your dear Sutton ❤️ My thoughts and prayers are with you and Conrad.. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Sheena, conrad & Suttons family & friends. So sorry for your loss, strong & courageous man gone to soon. Hugs & prayers
We used to be their neighbors in the 1990s and the boys would sometimes come to my garage sales and look through the Hot Wheels cars. They were cute little guys and friendly. Their mom was friendly and always smiling. I think Sutton’s story moved me more than any obituary I had ever read. And the fact that he and his mom were taken so young was so sad. Blessings to your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you and your family! Sending love and strong prayers!
Brooke Derek Paige and Deklynn
I had the privilege of working with Sutton at DBGR years ago. He was such a light for everyone, coworkers and children at the facility. I pray his wife and the rest of his family and friends find solace in knowing we will all see this glorious young guy again someday. Rest well dear boy.