Frederic F. Topel, 83, of Mendota, entered Heaven on August 11, 2021.

He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin and the family moved to Onalaska, Wisconsin when Fred was 11 years old. Fred graduated from Onalaska High School in 1956 where he excelled in football and baseball. While still in high school Fred joined the Army National Guard and completed 18 months of service. He then completed 6 months of an Army Program. After graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force and served with honor for 4 years working primarily in communications.

He met Patricia L. Howell in 1958 on a blind date. They were married on January 20, 1960 in Oakland, California. They remained devoted to each other for over 61 years. The couple were blessed with 2 daughters and moved to Illinois to be closer to family.

After studying communications at a local business school, Fred worked as a terminal manager, dispatcher, and truck driver in California, Illinois, Alabama, and Oklahoma. He also worked with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations as a communications officer. He retired from Fast Freight where he had worked for many years transporting US mail.

A man of strong faith in God, Fred was always active in the church. He served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and lay minister for many years. He loved to spend time with his family, play with the family dogs, go fishing and watch westerns and sports on TV. He continued to play baseball until a shoulder injury forced him to stop. He also loved music and he and his wife regularly sang duets in church, and occasional trios with their youngest daughter. Their family enjoyed traveling the country on vacation and he and his wife especially enjoyed the Ozarks. They retired to the small town of Powersite, just outside of Branson Missouri. Recent health issues led them to move back to Mendota in July 2021.

Frederic is survived by his loving wife, Patricia L. Topel of Mendota; his daughters Cheryl (Mike) Sterling of Mendota and Laura Topel of Kirbyville, MO; 3 granddaughters Rachel (John) Kelley, Nicole Sterling and Alexis (Jake) Haegele and 4 great grandchildren, Jaylin, Ian, Caleb, and Gabriella. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Harold Topel of La Cresent, MN. and Alan Topel of West Salem, WI; two sisters in law Mary Topel of Veazie, Maine and Lynn Topel of Clermont, FL. along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Verna (Spears) Topel, 3 brothers, Kenneth, Philip, and Robert Topel and 4 sisters, Marilyn Hollis, Barbara West, Violet Rediske, and Rita Kaiser.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 4:30 pm at Faith Church 800 Wenzel Road in Peru, Illinois with Rev. Steve Adamson officiating. Private burial with military honors will be held at a later date. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.