Louis R. Marchini

WASHINGTON - Louis R. Marchini, 78, of Washington, IL, passed away Friday evening at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. Louis was born August 5th, 1932 in San Pietro a Vico, Italy. Louis’s mother, Elodia, passed away when he was 22 months old, then in May 1938, at age 5 he immigrated to the United States with his father Aurelio. He faced many challenges early on: Starting school 3 months after emigrating from Italy with which the US would soon be at war, unable to speak English, and during the Great Depression. This humble beginning drove him to strive to achieve higher goals for the remainder of his life. After graduating from high school, Louis joined the US Navy, and considered this to be a pivotal point in his life. He excelled in this environment and received encouragement to pursue a higher education. After an honorable discharge at the rank of Second Class Petty Officer, he enrolled at the University of Illinois, where he studied Mechanical Engineering and graduated 10th in his class. He obtained his PE license, which he maintained for the remainder of his life. He had a keen intellect and an imaginative mind which served him well as a Research Engineer at Caterpillar. Later in life he worked at the USDA in Peoria as a Facilities Engineer and also farmed in the area. He had the courage and the ability to publicly express his opinions and was not afraid to voice what he thought was right, no matter the consequences. He expressed his opinions to newspapers and politicians in order to bring about positive change. This was not an easy road to pursue but one that he felt was just. He was a skilled machinist, mechanic, and carpenter, and could build just about anything he dreamed up. This started in childhood with the building of go-carts and sail boats, and grew in complexity and skill as he matured. He designed and, along with his wife, built his home. He recounted how they laid every brick and put up every piece of wood. He was extraordinarily proud of this accomplishment. Louis had many interests and passions. He especially enjoyed anything to do with water and the outdoors. Some of the most enjoyable times were spent camping with family and fishing on Lake Michigan. While fishing over the course of many years, he caught his limit only once. He enjoyed it nonetheless. He loved his wife Josephine (Neri) to whom he was married for 53 years. They enjoyed and struggled through the many experiences that can happen in life. He loved her without end. He is survived by his wife Josephine, daughter Linda Ho of Amherst, MA, son John of Washington, IL., daughter Liane Bisanz of Washington, IL., son Michael of Freeport, IL, and half-brother Joseph of DeKalb, IL. He leaves his legacy with many grandchildren: Jonathan, Marissa, Michelle, Paige, Brandyn, Jared, Steffen, Nicholas and Amelia. His will be missed by those whose lives he touched. The many challenges that he experienced throughout his life resulted in driving him to greater achievements. In his own words, “I have made my lemonade from the lemons, and it is sweet.” A memorial service for Louis will be at 12 noon Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Father Joseph P. Donton will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Missionaries of Charity, Salvation Army or the Peoria Rescue Ministries. Louis’ memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com where condolences may also be sent to the family.

Louis R. Marchini

August 5, 1932 - March 18, 2011