Samuel Reed Millheim, of Yerington, Nevada, passed away peacefully at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno on Sunday, February 9, 2020, after a very brief illness with family by his side.  He was 82.

Sam was born in Youngstown, Ohio. Proud to be a country boy, he spent his formative years working on a dairy farm in Ohio and then a cattle ranch in California.  Being the 5th of six boys, Sam was happy to work with his brothers and baby sister on any of the tough jobs required on the Ranch.

Proud to be an American, in 1955 Sam enlisted in the Navy when he was a senior in High School.  He was 4'11 ¾". At that time it was required to be at least 5' to serve in the Navy. So, they had him lay on the floor and stretched him out to be measured at 5'.  He grew eight inches and gained 50 lbs while in basic training. Sam served his country for four years on tugboats in the San Francisco Bay often coming home to the Family Ranch on weekend leaves..  He often laughed when he said that he thought he was going to see the world but he never left the State of California while in the Navy. He married Marianne Lisle at age 21 and for 18 years they raised two children, David and Susan before they divorced.  He continued to help at the Millheim Ranch with his family and siblings. He volunteered as a Boy Scoutleader and was a supportive father. His early working years were at the Raymond Granite Quarry, and he then served 27 years with Madera California Fire Department where he retired as a Captain.  He attended Merced Community College gaining a degree in Fire Science. For fun he enjoyed model trains, ATV riding, listening to Johnny Cash, beekeeping and hunting. He did not shy away from hard work.

Sam's second marriage was at age 44 to Mary Mohler.  Together they enjoyed motorcycle riding, off roading on ATVs with the grandkids, camping in their RV, raising miniature schnauzers and NASCAR.  Sam loved to go to the stock car races and volunteered for many years on the Ambulance crew. He drove the water truck on the track sometimes just to be able to see the races.   Before Grandpa Sam retired as Captain of the Madera Fire Department, he loved to show off his grandchildren to his squad.

It was a tough decision to leave California, but Sam and Mary spent their retirement years in Yerington, Nevada with friends.  It was in retirement that Sam enjoyed some wonderful years and cherished memories of RV travel, vacations to visit family, desert golf (hitting a golf ball from a moving ATV at a tire) and church service in the local Harvest Baptist Church.  Sam was loyal, dependable, always early, very accepting of others, had a great sense of humor and was always affectionate and complimentary of Mary. It was clear to all that he truly loved her.  It was shortly after their 36 wedding anniversary that Sam lost his sweetheart, Mary due to an unfortunate accident.  Her son, Jim, stayed a true friend and caregiver for Sam's last 15 months of his life. Every week, Sam faithfully called his children to check in and give the weather report and his health update.  He loved to relax listening to country music and occasionally joining Jim on work errands.

Sam is survived by his sister, one brother, his two children, two step children, eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one unofficially adopted daughter all of whom are going to miss his loving nature, his happy laugh, and always positive and grateful attitude.

Sam was baptized in 2013.  He attended the Harvest Baptist Church in town.  He loved to help out there in any way he could and rarely missed a Sunday.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Sam's name to the Harvest Baptist Church of Yerington, 328 N West Street, Yerington, Nevada 89447.

A celebration of Our HERO, Seaman 1st Class, Fire Captain, Brother, Husband, Dad and Grandpa Sam is planned for 11:00am on March 21, 2020 at the Millheim/Samper Family Ranch in Raymond, California.   A potluck (Sam's favorite part) will immediately follow the memorial service at the Family Ranch.

Family and Friends are invited to sign his online guestbook at www.FRFH.net Sympathy cards may be sent directly to his children from this site.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911