Sammy C. Thiemes, 85, of Van Orin died February 19, 2017 in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday in Bache Chapel, Van Orin with Rev. Jeffery Patrick and Chaplain Jay LeRette officiating. Burial will be in Van Orin Repose Cemetery. Visitation from 4-7 p.m.,Thursday in the Bache Chapel. The Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling the funeral arrangements.

Sammy was born February 25, 1931 in Florence, SC. to Leland and Sallie Elizabeth (Clifton) Thiemes. He married Marva Lou Fetzer on August 8, 1951 in Kasbeer.

Sam went to Franklin Grade School which was a one room school house. He graduated from Ohio High School in 1951. He was a 32nd Degree Mason for over 50 years. He worked as a pipe fitter at DePue and as a Drivers License Examiner for many years in Princeton and throughout the state. He drove the Sec. of State's trailer to county fairs to issue licenses. He was the Assistant to the Sec. of State as Chief Investigator and traveled throughout the State of Illinois working in coordination with the Illinois State Police and the F.B.I. He served the community for many years. He was a member of Van Orin Gospel Church. He was on the Bureau County Fair Board. He was also active in the Republican Party where he was a precinct committeeman for many years and served as County Chairman. Sam loved to spend time with his family and friends and sharing stories with each other. Sam enjoyed helping others as often as he could. One of his greatest loves were his horses which he owned and trained for most of his life. His favorite horse breed were the Appaloosa.

He is survived by his wife, Marva Lou of Van Orin; one daughter, Debra (Don) Flanagan of Van Orin; one son, Sam C. (Katharine) Thiemes of Centennial, CO; 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; one half sister, Jeannie Folse of SC.; a half brother, John Winters of Princeton.

He was preceded by his parents, one brother, Robert and a half sister, Jimmie Lynn Keupker.

Memorials may be directed to the Van Orin Gospel Church or the LaMoille Ambulance Service.