Roger A. Marsh

Roger Arthur Marsh was born in Freeport, IL, on October 7, 1940, to Arthur and Isabelle (Wittbecker) Marsh. Roger passed away on October 7, 2024, after a short illness.  Roger graduated from West High School in June, 1958. Roger ‘s dream during high school was to be an artist for Walt Disney Studios. This dream was financially impossible so after graduation, he and two buddies joined the Navy. When the recruiter asked him what position he wanted, he said to be a naval aerial photographer. When asked about a second choice, he said I have none, make me a swabby. Fortunately, he tested at the top of the class and became an aerial photographer. He flew many covert missions and served his time in DC where he photographed JFK's inauguration. He was very proud of his Navy experiences and his high security clearance. While stationed in DC, he met Bonnie-Jean S. Davis.

After leaving the Navy, he married Bonnie on September 8, 1962 and returned to Rockford, IL. They were blessed with a daughter, Jackie Lynn, and a son, Roger A.  After his Navy service, Roger joined Ingersoll Machine Tools Co. in their photo department where he rose to the position of Supervisor. He worked there for 20 years before retiring to start his own business, RAM Studios. During his time, he served many of the major machine tool companies as photographer. Roger enjoyed bowling and golfing in the Ingersoll leagues and during that time, golfed a hole in one. He enjoyed telling stories about the road rallies he and his brother, Jack participated in. Roger drove and Jack was navigator. Roger married Marlys Mackey in 1983 and they enjoyed many years together. They loved traveling, Las Vegas being one of their favorite destinations. Roger was a proud member of PP of A (Professional Photographers of America) and also as a police auxiliary member for the Winnebago Sheriff's Dept.

Roger is survived by his wife, Marlys; daughter, Jackie (Jim) Anderson; son, Roger; stepchildren, Marvin (Karen) Mackey, Kathy Panozzo, Jeff (Carla) Mackey and Melissa (Michael) McCormick; sister, Jill (Dale) Gesner; sister-in-law, Delayne “Tim” Marsh; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased in death by his parents, and brother, Jack.

A Celebration of Life service is being planned for a later date.

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