David Francis Fitzgerald, 64, of Mendota, passed away peacefully in his home on August 21, 2021, surrounded by his loved one’s after battling lung cancer. In his final days his most valued friendships provided him with love and comfort as well.
Graveside services for family and friends will be held Friday, August 27, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mendota with Rev. Sherry Stevenson officiating. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family. A celebration of life and fellowship will follow at the Mendota VFW Post 4079 at 5 p.m.
Dave was born November 24, 1956 in Mendota to Donald and Gertrude (Roemmich) Fitzgerald. He married JoAnn Neuhalfen-Bell on May 26, 1993.
Dave graduated from Mendota High School in 1975. After high school he worked at Becker Automotive and then at R&R Ford/Mendota Ford for 37 years. After leaving Mendota Ford he worked at Sapp Bros in Peru for 3 years. He was a member of the Jaycees, Mendota Elks Lodge 1212, Mendota VFW men’s auxiliary and social member and Mendota Moose Lodge 714. He donated his time and talents to organizations like Mendota Historical Society and Mendota pass, punt and kick program. When not volunteering you could find him with his video camera at the softball diamonds, soccer fields, volleyball and basketball courts, football field, school plays, school musicals and band concerts recording and cheering for his grandkids, nieces and nephews. He had a love for music, specifically Marshall Tucker, and a lifelong love of baseball, playing pool with his buddies, watching and feeding the animals in his yard and most importantly spending his days talking about his family and how proud he was of them all.
He is survived by his children. His only son Toby (Jackie) Fitzgerald of Mendota and three “bonus” daughters Shelly Bell, Joni (Brian) Zinke and Julie (Brian) McConville all of Mendota; 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; two brothers Gary (Janet) Fitzgerald of Shorewood and Danny (Nancy) Fitzgerald of Oglesby and a sister Linda (Tom) Weber of Peru.
He was preceded in death by loving wife JoAnn in 2019, his granddaughter Taylor and his parents.
Any monetary gifts will be donated to all of Fitz’s beloved organizations and VITAS Hospice who helped him in his final days.