Richard E. Marsh

Richard E. ("Dick") Marsh, age 78, of Geneva, IL, passed away Friday, March 24, 2006, at home, following a long illness.He was born March 12, 1928, in Chicago, IL, the son of Walter F. and Doris I. (Bell) Marzusch. The family later changed their name to Marsh. He grew up in Oak Park where he attended local schools and graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School. On August 25, 1950, Dick was united in marriage to Ruth Thompson in Bedford, MA.Dick graduated from M.I.T. in 1951 with BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering. In 1953-54 he was taking graduate courses at Northwestern University and University of Chicago, preparing for a PhD and MBA when he was called into military service. While serving at Eglin Air Force Base he was awarded a Commendation Medal of Merit for Research and Development from the Secretary of the Air Force for work on the Nike Missile System.During the 1960s, Dick served as Chief Engineer of Research and Development for Smith Electronics, Pres. of Walter F. Marsh and Associates, Pres. of MTV Controls, and Director of Engineering at Pollack and Skan. He also provided technical and management consulting services for Teledyne Pines and other large local companies. In 1970, Dick founded Marsh Products, a product development company, in the family garage on Old Kirk Road in Geneva. Marsh Products moved into the former Batavia Dairy Building in 1975 and grew to be the city’s third largest employer. It stands as one of the oldest businesses in Batavia, now in its 36th year of operation. The Company’s big break occurred when McDonalds Corporation approached Dick to design a computer that would consistently produce the perfect french fry. Dick and his wife, Ruth, developed the technology that is still used today. For McDonalds, Marsh Products went on to develop the first drive-thru communication systems, drink dispensing controls, vehicle detection equipment, temperature monitors, and other products, nearly all of which are still in operation today in thousands of McDonalds restaurants all over the world. Over the years, the Company’s reputation for innovative products spawned relationships with Burger King, Coca Cola, White Castle, Hinkley Schmidt, Wendy’s, Conoco Oil, Shell Oil and Panasonic. These relationships led to hundreds of products, including water purification systems and time clocks. Over the years Dick drafted every member of the Marsh family into the business which is now better known as Spectrum Companies.Entrepreneur, developer and founder of Marsh Products, Dick was a man with a vision for technology, progressive management practices, and for the development of products we take for granted and the knowledge to bring them to life. He looked at the world around him and saw new possibilities. His dreams, his plans and his suggestions continued to his last days.Dick Marsh holds numerous patents, is a member of Eta Kappa Nu and Tau Beta Pi honor societies, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Sr. Member of IEEE, a former Vice Chairman Kane County Republican Central Committee, served several terms on the Board of Directors of the Valley Industrial Association, member of the American Legion Post #75, and the First Congregational Church of Geneva.He is survived by his wife Ruth.Four children: Thomas B. (Carli) Marsh of LaJolla, CA,Kathlyn I. (David) Valentine of Geneva,Wendy A. Marsh of Reno, NV, and Douglas F. (Barbara) Marsh of Batavia, IL;Grandchildren: Tom’s: Marissa Marsh,Melanie Marsh,Madalyn Marsh,Mika Marsh,Devin Marsh,Thomas Marsh, Jr.,Lauren Marsh;Kim’s:Stephanie Mohr,Anna Mohr, andSamuel Valentine;three brothers-in-law: Walter Myers, Robert Witherill and Edward Gates;two sisters-in-law, Jean Witherill and Marion Gates,as well as many nieces and nephewsHe is preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Joan Myers.A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm, Saturday, April 29, 2006, at the First Congregational Church of Geneva followed by a reception and opportunity for visitation with the family at 4:00pm. Contributions should be made in his name to the First Congregational Church or the Delnor Community Hospital Foundation, and mailed to PO Box 66, Elburn, Il 60119 For information call the church office at 232-7143. Cremation care provided by Conley Funeral Home., Elburn, IL. Memorial services arranged and conducted by family & friends.

Memorial Services arranged and conducted by family and friends to be held April 29, 2006 at 3:00 PM at the church. For further information please call the church at 630-232-7143