Sam L. Bidrawn (72) of Effingham

Sam L. Bidrawn, 72, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022 at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023 prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Effingham, IL. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Sam was born on September 7, 1950, in Clinton, IA, the son of Sam and Marian (Scofield) Bidrawn. He married Carol Vande Wall on March 9, 1973. This March would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. Sam enjoyed computers; taking them apart and putting them back together. There was no puzzle he couldn’t solve. He had a passion for tool collection and woodworking when the mood struck. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1973, with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He went on to have a successful career in Chemical Engineering. He retired as general manager of Northwestern Flavors (the flavoring division of Wrigley gum) in 2006. After retiring, Sam and Carol created “Life on Mars” on Lake Sara. Sam loved being a husband, father, and Papa to all his girls. He loved his cats. He enjoyed talking to his sons-in-law about cars and chemistry. He could pick up on a subject and always knew something about it. He loved to laugh and had a sarcastic wit that could strike at any second. Dad jokes were his specialty.

Sam is survived by his wife, Carol of Effingham; daughters, Jessica (David) Sanders and Katherine (Michael) Degner; and granddaughter, McKenna Sanders. As well as, his brother David Bidrawn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Levi Sanders; and his brothers, John Bidrawn and Leslie Bidrawn.