Samuel E. Mitterling, age 80, of Wonder Lake, IL went home to be with his Lord on January 9, 2021. Sam was born February 18, 1940 in the Northwoods of Warroad, MN. There he grew up to appreciate nature on the homestead of his parents Theodore and Bessie Mitterling. Following graduation from Thief River Falls College, Sam moved to Evanston, IL to study for his Stationary Engineer License, passing with the highest score recorded. It was in Evanston where he met his wife Carole Swanson, who was a nursing student. Sam married his true love, Carole, on August 26, 1961. Sam and Carole moved to Wonder Lake so their girls could grow up on a small farmette, while Sam drove into the city every day, where he worked as the Chief Stationary Engineer at several North Shore area Hospitals. As a born again Christian, Sam was happy to serve in the Wonder Lake Bible Church. He was also instrumental in starting Calvary Bible Church. Upon retiring, Sam and Carole often traveled to their cabin in northern Wisconsin, which was reminiscent of where Sam was raised. He liked reading, traveling, fishing, flying in his airplane, and general troubleshooting. Most of all Sam enjoyed being with his family. He was a very proud father and “Papa” to his close-knit growing family. Sam is survived by his wife Carole of almost 60 years, daughters Marisa (Kerry) Batdorff and Michelle (Brian) Madsen. Six grandchildren: Kerisa (Thomas) Doepker, Brian Jr. (Becky) Madsen, Ryan (Michelle) Madsen, Marc (Chelsea, fiancee) Madsen, Karleea Batdorff, Kamron (Jessica) Batdorff. Eleven great grandchildren: Bentyn, Noah, Jynessa, Jaya, Ariya, Braylynn, Korbin, Leeland, Kaiden, Paige, and Leyton. Sister: Nancy Christensen. He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brothers James and John Mitterling. A memorial will be held at a later date on the family property in Warroad, MN