Ulhas “Sam” S. Sawant

In Loving Memory of Sam (Ulhas) Sawant

Sam (Ulhas) Sawant, age 82, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025. Born in Baroda (Vadodara), State of Gujarat, India, Sam lived a life defined by courage, curiosity, and quiet determination.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, June Sawant of Goodman, Wisconsin; his dearly loved sons Michael (Jennifer) Sawant of Lake Forest, Illinois and Jonathan (Beth) Sawant of Delafield, Wisconsin; and his beloved grandsons, Luke and Tanner. He is also survived by his loving sisters Jyotsna (Suhas) Pawar, Smita (Shekhar) Bhonsale, and Meena (Ravindra) Pasale; and six loving nieces and nephews Sachin, Deepa, Jay, Anuja, Abheejit, and Anurupa; and by the family’s cherished dogs: Gilda, Hedy, and Tess – who brought him joy and companionship.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Shamrao and Usha, and his younger brother, Suhas.

A proud grandfather, loving husband, and steadfast father, Sam built a life rooted in hard work, integrity, and deep loyalty to his family. After graduating from his primary studies in Baroda in 1965, Sam moved to the United States in his early 20’s to pursue graduate studies in mechanical engineering at Oklahoma State University. But fate intervened.

During a layover at Chicago O’Hare Airport, Sam noticed a University of Wisconsin brochure promoting its engineering program. Intrigued, he called the university from the airport—and never boarded his connecting flight. Instead, he took a bus from O’Hare to Madison, where he enrolled in the mechanical engineering program and began the remarkable journey that would profoundly shape the rest of his life.  On, Wisconsin!

After graduating, Sam met June, and together they built a beautiful life and family in Hartland, Wisconsin.

A natural entrepreneur, Sam became a business owner, patent holder, and innovator. He founded Innotech Solutions, an aggregate mining firm that designed, manufactured and maintained world class rock crushing equipment for notable builders, mines and other industries throughout the world.  Alongside his longtime business partner and friend, Jim Sheridan, he successfully operated the company for nearly 30 years.

Among his proudest professional accomplishments were the multiple crushers he designed and patented – proof of his ability to blend imagination with engineering precision.

In his younger years, Sam loved to be outdoors and to hunt, fish, read, exercise, hike, play tennis, and build literally anything he could dream up. He had a gift for working with his hands and an unwavering curiosity for how things worked. If something broke—whether it was a television, a children’s toy, or even a car—Sam would fix it immediately. He was the problem-solver everyone relied on, always ready to roll-up his sleeves and make things right.

A thoughtful, caring and charitable person, Sam devoted several years to volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wisconsin.  Deeply committed to helping others succeed, he shared his expertise generously. Sam wrote and published several books on the power of networking, resume building, and he mentored countless people who sought career guidance.

In his later years, Sam faced the increasingly difficult stages of dementia with quiet resilience and dignity. He fought bravely until the end, supported by the unwavering love of his family, friends and caregivers.

Above all else, Sam’s greatest joy in life was his family. He adored his sons and cherished watching his grandsons grow into young men. He loved traveling to Northeast Wisconsin with June, enjoying peaceful weekends together at their beautiful cabin on Scout Lake. His quiet pride, steady presence, and boundless love will continue to guide those he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to ProHealth Angels Grace Hospice (Select “ProHealth AngelsGrace Hospice” from drop down menu on donation page), whose support and compassion were invaluable.

Sam will be remembered for his warmth, strength, and the remarkable life he forged from one courageous leap of faith at an airport terminal. His legacy lives on in the family he adored and the countless lives he touched.

Memorial visitation to be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin, from 4:00 PM to 5:45 PM. Memorial Service to begin at 6:00 PM.

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