Coach Frederick Bell’s Death Marks the Loss of a Beloved Community Figure in Mendota

Celebrating a life full of generosity, humor, and lifelong passions.

October 4, 2026

This article was last updated by aditibhatta on October 4, 2026

Frederick I. Bell, 87, of Mendota, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2026, surrounded by his daughters, entering the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Frederick’s life left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and the Mendota community, where he spent decades sharing his passions and talents.

Fred was born in Oswegatchie, New York, to Irving and Ella (Winifred) Bell.

During his childhood, he in several New York towns, including Oneida and Carthage, before graduating from Cortland High School in 1956.

He served honorably in the United States Air Force from September 1956 to December 1959.

In 1964, Fred and his family relocated to Mendota, Illinois, where he built a life rooted in service, creativity, and community involvement.

Fred worked at Sears in Mendota for many years, alongside employment at Wayside Press, Del Monte, and various other trades.

He later founded Bell’s Carpeting in the historic ICRR Freight House.

Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, he earned an associate degree in liberal studies from Illinois Valley Community College in 1985.

His final professional role before retirement was as a custodian at Mendota High School, where he also substituted in History and Art.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Fred’s love for baseball began in childhood.

He played third base in Mendota men’s softball leagues, coached and umpired Little League games, and later coached girls’ softball at Mendota and LaMoille High Schools.

A devoted Yankees fan, he also loved watching Jeopardy, telling jokes, and spending weekends at Sip-N-Snack.

Fred was an active member of the Elks, Moose, VFW, Mendota Golf Course, and Mendota Community Theatre (MCT).

At MCT, Fred excelled as a performer, director, and set designer, helping the club win numerous trophies in the Sweet Corn Festival parades.

He enjoyed competing in trivia contests across Chicago and other cities, reflecting his lifelong passion for knowledge.

Fred also authored books on trivia, children’s literature, and plays, including Jugend Morgen, displayed at the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam.

He entertained many through his weekly comic strip, Dusty Mopp, inspired by his time as a high school custodian.

Fred’s artistic talents were evident in his drawings, sculptures, paintings, and custom portraits.

Generous with his work, he gifted hundreds of portraits to high school athletes, cheerleaders, and students.

His favorite times of year were family trips to the Wisconsin Dells and celebrating Christmas with loved ones.

While he collected baseball cards, coins, stamps, WWII memorabilia, and more, Fred always valued family and friends above all.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers, and siblings Ralph Leeder, Herbert Bell, Judith Coombs, and Delbert Bell. He is survived by his sister Sandra (Robert) Brown, daughters Dawn Andresen, Shelly Bell, Joni (Brian) Zinke, Julie (Brian) McConville, 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Frederick Bell will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Wasmer Funeral Home in Mendota, Illinois, followed by a service officiated by Reverend Rick Wulf at 2:00 PM.

Memorials may be directed to Abigail Women’s Clinic in Mendota, Illinois. Condolences can be sent via Wasmer Funeral Home.

Frederick Bell’s death leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him.

His legacy of kindness, creativity, and devotion to family and community will continue to inspire for generations to come.

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