Gerald Joseph "Sam" Medernach (86) of Dieterich

Gerald Joseph “Sam” Medernach, age 86, of Dieterich, Illinois, passed away at 5:37 AM – Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM – Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at the Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish Center in Wendelin, Illinois, with Fr. Steven Beatty and Fr. Dean Probst concelebrating mass. Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Parish Center and there will also be visitation 30 minutes before mass, on Tuesday. In loving memory of Sam, memorials may be made to the Holy Cross Catholic Church Building fund. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

Gerald Joseph, better known as Sam, was born February 17, 1938, the son of John Peter and Loretta (Hannan) Medernach in Aurora, Illinois. He married Hermena Deimel on June 21, 1969, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin, Illinois. They spent 54 years together until her passing on July 10, 2023. 

Sam proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He was a proud member of the VFW Post #7537 and American Legion Post #20 in Newton, Illinois.  Sam was active with the AMVETS during his time in Florida as well as the Disabled American Veterans and the Loyal order of the Moose in Effingham, Illinois.

Sam had a passion for politics, serving people and doing the right thing. He held many positions within the Jasper County Democratic Party, such as precinct committeeman and chairman. Sam put this experience, his knowledge and passion to work serving as a consumer advocate with Glenn Poshard, Illinois State Senator and U.S. Congressman.

Sam was a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin, Illinois. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Sam enjoyed golfing and was an avid sports fan. He could be found rooting for the Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals or Green Bay Packers.

Sam is survived by:

Son – Jeffrey A. Medernach (Denise Roecker) of Groveland, Illinois

Grandchildren – Jordan Medernach (Emily Maez), Janelle (Blake) Esker, Jaclyn (Dan) Turgeon

Siblings – Marie Frantzen, Dave (Donna) Medernach, Bernie (Marcia) Medernach and Gregg (Gloria) Medernach

Sisters-in-law - Kay Medernach, Janet Medernach

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Mary (Gerald) Yager, Carolyn (Donald) Cherwin, Frank Medernach, Fritz Medernach, James Medernach, John Medernach and Albert Medernach and brother-in-law William Frantzen.