Frederick James “Fritz” Darnell, 81, of Cortland, Illinois, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Journey Care Hospice in Barrington Illinois.

 He was born July 29, 1942, in Sandwich, Illinois, the son of Gerald and Shirley (Prince) Darnell. Frederick married Janet Allen on July 7, 1962, in Oswego, Illinois.

 Fredrick was a staff engineer at Caterpillar in Montgomery and Mount Joy, Iowa for over thirty years prior to his retirement in 1994.  He enjoyed playing golf and was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Bears. 

 He is survived by his children Beth (Gary) Higgins of Plano, Amy (Larry) Lucas of Davenport, Iowa and Tim (Amanda) Darnell of Cortland, Illinois; his grandchildren Michael Darnell, Maggie Lucas, Emily Darnell, and Rachel Lucas; his brother Tom Darnell of Sandwich; and his sister DeAnn (Wendell) Dominy of Plano.

 He was preceded in death by his wife Janet in 2003 and his daughter Suzanne in infancy.

 A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Saint Theresa Catholic Cemetery in Earlville, Illinois.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Darnell Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

 For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.