Dennis Donald Rundell, 64, of Mendota, died January 30 at 11:55 p.m. at Heritage Health after a lengthy battle with cancer. Dennis will be remembered for his ready smile, good humor, and lack of complaint during his 8-year fight.  His courage, determination, and perseverance amazed us all.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., in 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 Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. in the funeral home.

Dennis was born December 4, 1953, in Rockford, the son of Robert G. and Dorothy E. (Funk) Rundell.  He married Heather Harris September 25, 1997 in Honolulu. HI.

His family moved to Mendota in 1963. Dennis was a 1971 graduate of Mendota High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era, worked at Wayside Press and Frizol's Tavern. He was a diehard Cubs and Bears fan.

He is survived by his wife Heather of Mendota; two daughters Traci (Matt) Jones of Mendota and Jessica Schmanski (John Stringfield) of Columbus, GA; 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, IN. 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.

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

Memorials may be directed to the family.