Mark "Merle" Gregory Heitz, 59, of Belvidere died on April 17, 2017. Born March 27, 1958 in Hinsdale, IL; son of Merle and Ruby (Murphy) Heitz. United in marriage to his best friend and partner of 27 years, Rene Dinsmore on March 24, 2014. Mark served in the United States Army, and was a disabled veteran. Survived by wife, Rene; daughter, Sarah (Jason) Davenport of Belvidere; grandson, Jayden Davenport; siblings, Cathy (Charles) Schanes, John Heitz, Bill (Pam) Walberg; sister-in-law, Toni Stearns. Preceded in death by his mother, brother-in-law, Gary Stearns and father. Mark's family is grateful to Heartland Hospice for their loving care, and especially for his nurse, Claudine. Funeral Mass on April 25, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 535 Caswell St. Belvidere. Rev. Brian Geary, Pastor will officiate. Interment in St. James Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the graveside service at the American Legion, 900 W Chrysler Dr. Belvidere. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Visit www.graceFH.com to share a memory or condolence.