MENDOTA - Dennis Donald Rundell, 64, of Mendota, died Jan. 30, 2018 at Heritage Health after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Jeff Schlesinger officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded after the funeral and burial will be private at a later date. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the funeral home.

Dennis was born Dec. 4, 1953 in Rockford to Robert G. and Dorothy E. (Funk) Rundell. He married Heather Harris on Sept. 25, 1997 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Survivors include his wife of Mendota; two daughters, Traci (Matt) Jones of Mendota and Jessica Schmanski (John Stringfield) of Columbus, Ga.; a stepdaughter, Ariel (Kevin) Raymer of Cherry Valley; four grandchildren, Madelyn, Cortnee and Aubree Jones and Maiya Schmanksi; three step grandchildren, Lexi, Gage and Zoe; two siblings, Roberta (Dennis) Liechty of Boonville, Ind. and Dawn (Danny) Spriet of Mendota; first cousins, Stuart (Patricia) Bell, Tom (Becky) Bell, Jane (Larry) Maxwell and Tim Funk; two nephews and three nieces; and a special friend, Dr. Richard Nora.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Daniel Rundell; recently by his beloved aunt, Loraine Bell; and a special cousin, Susan Kilpinen.

Dennis moved to Mendota with his family in 1963 and graduated from Mendota High School in 1971. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era, worked at Wayside Press and Frizol’s Tavern. A diehard Cubs and Bears fan, he will be remembered for his ready smile, good humor and lack of complaint during his eight-year fight. His courage, determination and perseverance amazed us all.

Memorials may be directed to the family.