Samuel Theodore Ochs (89) of Fairfield
Published on June 27 2022 1:49 pm
Samuel Theodore Ochs, 89, of Fairfield, peacefully passed away from congestive heart failure on Friday morning, June 24, 2022, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital, Evansville, IN.
Sam was born on January 19, 1933, to Simon Alexius and Grace E. (Miller) Ochs in rural Jasper County, IL. He graduated from Newton High School in 1950 and became a ranch hand in Denton, MT, until 1952 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Sam received his discharge in 1954 after serving in Augsburg, Germany, in the 102nd Infantry Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division. Afterwards he used his G.I. Bill to help fund his Sparks Business College degree in accounting in 1957.
On September 6, 1958, he married the love of his life Mary Jean (Spitz) Ochs of Olney, IL, and began raising a family of four children and establishing a 31-year career with FS. He retired in 1991 from Wabash Valley FS after serving as their controller for 21 years. Sam has been a resident of Fairfield and a member of the St. Edward Catholic Church since 1968.
Sam enjoyed working in his woodshop, maintaining his yard, reading historical books, solving crossword puzzles, and discussing the St. Louis Cardinals with his coffee shop buddies. Mostly, though, Sam loved surrounding himself with his family and telling humorous stories of ranching, growing up on the family farm, attending school, and serving in the military.
Sam is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Jean Ochs; children Janice Ochs of Effingham, IL; Steve (Kerri) Ochs of Magnolia, AR; Rebecca (Jeff) Wisher of Clinton, IL; Kent (Christine) Ochs of Barnhill; grandchildren Allison Wisher of Indianapolis; Corey (Megan) Wisher of Heyworth, IL; Addison (Casey) Ochs of Cumberland, RI; Samantha (Orryn Boles) Ochs of Fairfield; Ryland (Kaisi) Ochs of Magnolia, AR; Noah Ochs of Fairfield; step-grandchildren Luke Franks of Magnolia, AR,and KayLee Franks of Fayetteville, AR; great-grandchildren Oliver Wisher of Heyworth, IL, and Merrin Elise Ochs of Magnolia, AR; sister Evelyn Van Den Bos of Pekin, IL; and several much-loved nieces and nephews and their families.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents and siblings William A., Dorral E., Delbert A., Hazel A., Emilyann E., John A., and Albert N.
A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, at St. Edward Catholic Church, Fairfield, IL, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by the Rosary. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, at St. Edward Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Edward Catholic Church, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, or Boys Town Nebraska. Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by clicking
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