John C. Hedrich, 80, of Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of Princeton, died Jan. 6, 2012, in Las Vegas.

Mr. Hedrich was born Feb. 23, 1931, in Tiskilwa to Arthur W. and Mabel (Steimle) Hedrich.

He graduated from Tiskilwa High School in 1949, the University of Illinois in 1953, and the University of Illinois School of Law in 1955. He served two years in the U.S. Navy before starting his law practice in Princeton in 1957.

He was a magistrate of the circuit court from 1961-1964, an assistant state’s attorney from 1964-1968 and the Bureau County Public Defender from 1992-1994. He served for years as attorney for St. Louis Catholic Church and the village of Tiskilwa. He was a member of Bureau County Bar Association, including a term as president, and was a member and officer of numerous civic and private organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, Elks Club, Rotary Club, and Bureau Valley Country Club.

He was the last owner of the historic American House Hotel. He retired from the practice of law in 1998.

Survivors include his wife, Chung; five children, Susan Wallace of River Forest, Richard of Henderson, Nev., James of Norcross, Ga., Mary Katherine (Stacy) Pomonis of Champaign and John (Jane Chadesh) of Oak Park; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Richard of Atlantic Beach, Fla.; nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and his first wife, Ann Hanak.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Arthur W. Hedrich Jr.

Memorials may be directed to St. Louis Church.