Russell H. Fritz, 71, of Mendota died Sept. 30, 2008, in St. Anthony's Hospital, Rockford. Services are at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota, with the Rev. Michael Morrell officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery following cremation rites. Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Mr. Fritz was born March 29, 1937, in Mendota to Garfield and Mabel (Engel) Fritz. He married Elsie Simpson on June 14, 1958, in Mendota. He graduated from Mendota High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955-58 and was employed by Wayside Press in Mendota, Triumph and Troy Grove elevators and Sam Beetz and Sons. He is survived by his wife, Elsie of Mendota; two daughters, Deb (Rich) Simkins of Mendota and Connie (Mark) Myers of Mendota; two sons, Jim (Alice) Fritz of Mendota and Tim Fritz of Madison, Wis.; six grandchildren; one brother, Ted (Ardith) Fritz of Earlville; one sister, Dorothea Robinson of Nevada; nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Memorials can be directed to the Diabetes Foundation or the donor's choice.