Harry David Schaller

Harry David “Fritz” Schaller passed away peacefully in his home in Jacksonville, FL, on June 2, 2023. He was born May 11, 1926 in Mendota, IL, to Harry F. and Pearl Faber Schaller. After attending Mendota schools, Harry graduated from high school at Western Military Academy in Alton, IL, and graduated from Purdue University in 1950. He married Inger Sandberg of Joliet, IL, April 1, 1956. The Schallers lived in Allentown, PA, from 1965-1992.

He was in the heavy equipment sales business: International Harvester Company, Truck Division, Branch Manager; Thew Shovel Company, Lorain, Ohio, District Manager – Crane & Shovel Sales; Mack Trucks, Inc., Sales Manager, Off highway Truck Division; Orenstein & Koppel AG, Dortmund, Germany, Director of Major Account Sales, USA, selling hydraulic shovels, quarry trucks and front-end loaders.

He was a member of The Presidents Council, Purdue University; Chairman, National Limestone Institute, 1979; Director, Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association, 1975; Director, American Road and Transportation Builders Association, 1976-78; and a life member of Elks Lodge 1212, Mendota, IL.

He was active with the WK&S Railroad, Kempton, PA, 1970-1982; the Mendota Museum & Historical Society, President of Union Depot RR Museum, 1995-2001; and Parade Marshal, Sweet Corn Festival, Mendota, IL, 2004.

He is survived by children: Greta Bates of La Moille, IL, and Kurt (Denise) of Brandon, FL; grandchildren: Kyle (Faith) Schaller, Christopher Scanlon and Leslie (Jacob) Weber; and two great grandsons: Caleb and Ethan Weber.

Memorials may be directed to the Mendota Museum and Historical Society, PO Box 433, Mendota, IL 61342 or Mendota Cemetery Association, c/o Merritt Funeral Home, 800 Monroe Street, Mendota, IL 61342.

There will be a visitation and service Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Te Deum Chapel of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota, IL, followed by interment at Restland Cemetery, Mendota, IL. Arrangements in Illinois are being handled by Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota, IL.