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Richard Marks Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Marks
Jon Slocum
December 3, 2023
Hello Penny and Ian Bratko.
Penny, I happened onto the internet tonight and listening to what else? Yes Music. First off, I am happy you two found love and had a family. That being said, I am so sorry to learn so late of your father's passing. He was a very quiet man. I did not know of him much. But, I remember your mother well. Reading all these tributes, I can only imagine how wonderful he really was. When we were friends, your father usually went into the other room, and closed the door.
I wish you all a long and loving life of happiness. I think I was a very dumb teen looking back, but I remember your friendship Penny, Your family's Hammond organ, and Ian selling me pet fish. I am very sorry for your loss. Thank you for this moment in time.
George O'Connell
April 7, 2023
Dr. Marks cared for me and my two younger sisters when we lived in Palatine, west of Chicago. His selfless and so generous expertise remain a marker in life. I can only guess how many young lives he saved, and what suffering he allayed. It may have been in the mid 1950s when he visited our house to see my younger sister, who had a throat infection. It was late winter, as I recall, and I watched him take from his car trunk a boxed microscope, on which he examined a diagnostic throat swab at our dining room table. There were other scenes I will never forget of his firm yet gentle manner. I've been a US univ. professor many years, and am now in Taipei, Taiwan, where my work continues. I just sent a surgeon friend here Dr. Marks' obit, with so many testimonials to his uncanny diagnostic skill and generosity to patients, a model for all a physican might be.
Brent Seberhagen
April 4, 2022
Dr. Marks was one of a kind. I remember reading Dr. Seuss books in his waiting room like it was yesterday. And how he religiously washed his dry hands with soap. What a treasure.
Glenn Purtell
November 18, 2008
Dr. Marks was my childhood doctor. In the early 1950's he made housecalls to our home on Chester Aveune in Park Ridge. I recall he had a gentle but commanding touch during exams. This gentle touch was soothing and gave me assurance that everything was under his control and I'd be back on my feet soon. I'll miss you Dr. Marks.
sandra hattendorf (Eilken)
May 6, 2008
My most vivid memory of Dr. Marks was when my twin sister and I had to have our 5th grade physical and Dr. Marks was out with his own health issues, the principal of Merrill school gave all of "Dr. Marks" kids extra time to get our school physical. That was back in 1974 or 75. He was such an important man. No one would go to another doctor for our physicals. He saved my brother's life back in 1961 when he diagnosed him with menengitis over christmas that year. Even the holidays did not stop this remarkable man. I 'm proud to have known him.
I speak for the entire family, we will surely miss him!
Sandra Hattendorf (Eilken)
Bill Clark
April 28, 2008
Our family was lucky enough to have found Dr. Marks. He was my Dr. until I was 23 years old. He even actually did my blood tests before I got married. One of the last times I went to see him my mother made a comment that I was getting too big for his table. He smiled and said "no, there is a little more room for him". I read the entry about trying to get a smile from him. I am happy to say that I succeeded on more than one occasion. I think he is probably smiling now.
Ann Downing
April 15, 2008
Dr. Marks was the most remarkable doctor we have ever met. We met him in 1964 when he gave my son a thorough exam in his office. My son had been diagnosed with Rheumatic fever and Children's Memorial recommended that we see Dr Marks because he was in their Rheumatic fever clinic. He saw my son the next day and charged us only $4.00 for the visit. We had 8 children and Dr. Marks treated them all when need be. I never ever paid more than $5.00 to him for an exam. I said one time to him "You will never get rich this way doctor" and he replied "I don’t want to get rich I only want my patients to be healthy". I know that he worked 12 or 14 hours a day being at the hospitals at 5 or 6 in the morning to check on all his patients. I know that he was sorely missed when he retired. He was a wonderful man and loved by all that knew him. I send my condolences to his entire family.
Robin Pardue
April 15, 2008
We owe our son's life to Dr. Marks and his gift of being able to diagnose. After having been to our local pediatric group seven times with no diagnosis, we came back to Park Ridge to see Dr. Marks for his opinion on why our son was so ill. He did his exam, asked our then seven year old son a few questions, took his blood pressure and told us he had a tumor and told us where it was located. He immediately called Children's Memorial and got us an appointment for the next morning. Although our journey after that was difficult, I can say that if Dr. Marks had not been able to make this diagnosis, our son would not have survived. He is now 31 years old.
We will be indebted to Dr. Marks, and his family for sharing him with us, for the rest of our lives.
Our prayers are for God's peace and comfort for you at this time.
Kristine Lindgren Michalson
April 14, 2008
On behalf of the Lindgren and Michalson families, please accept our most sincere condolences on your loss. Dr. Marks was one of the most compassionate doctors a family could know. I remember how he could never turn down a house call or a last minute office appt. My parents only wanted his services for me when I was little and I owe alot to Dr. Marks for reocognizing that I had developed scoliosis early on (before it became standard treatment to check for). I was fortunate to have him as my daughter's doctor when she was born in 1981 while we still lived in Park Ridge right across from his office. The world has lost a very special person and those of us who knew Dr. Marks and were fortunate to be one of his patients or the parents of one his partients are better people for having that privilege. Our prayers go out to all of you.
Patti Burke
April 13, 2008
Dr. Marks was the Pediatrician for the Norweigan Lutheran Childrens home in Park Ridge for many years. We were very fortunate to have him as our doctor. I remember when I had rheumatic fever and how caring and gentle he was. I was in the infirmary (as they called it then), and Dr. Marks came to visit me ,sending me to the Childrens Memorial Hospital for some much needed care.
I think I can write this for all those (approximately 100 in all), that lived at The Norweigan Lutheran Childrens Home and extend our deepest sympathies to the family.
The Page family: Patti Page Burke, Nancy Page Kaczmarek, April Page Gonzalez & Joyce Page Yagarman
Gary Bratko
April 12, 2008
Dear Penny & Ian,
Just a note to say how sorry we are at the passing of your Father! I pray that you only remember the good times he gave you and how long you were able to spend with him!
Gary & Nancy Bratko
Cassie Stutman
April 12, 2008
Dr. Marks was my pediatrician and my sisters from the time we were babies. He would come to the house no matter what time of night or how bad the weather was just to take care of us. He gave me allergy shots from the time I was 5 years old all the way through college. I can remember being the only adult in his waiting room that didn't have a child. In my mind, there was no other doctor that could take care of me. What a wonderful, wonderful man. There will never be another like him. My deepest sympathy to his family. He will always remain in my heart.
Joe Cavanaugh
April 12, 2008
Dr. Marks was our family doctor for many years. I am one of 10 children he saw. Some of the older siblings brought their children to him as well. He was a great man and will be missed.
Teresa Day
April 12, 2008
Dr. Marks is the best Dr I have ever known. He saved my oldest sons life before he was even 1 year old with his diagnostic abilities. He was 9 mos old and running a very high fevver. I took him into the office and Dr. Marks checked him out and said he had an ear infection and prescribed medicine. He also told me that if his fever didn't go below 100 by the next day to give him a call. Early the next morning my sons temperature was 100.2 so I didn't call Dr. Marks as I figured .2 wasn't what he meant by over 100. Within 2hrs his fever skyroceted to 104. I hated to call Dr. Marks on a Sunday but didn't hesitate to do so now that his fever was so high. I caught him at the breakfast table. He advised me to get him to Childrens Memorial Hospital immediately and that he would meet me there. When we arrived we didn't have long to wait as Dr. Marks had called ahead to advise them to prepare for a spinal tap. It turned out my son had spinal menengitis and had to stay in the hospital for 10 days. When I spoke with the specialist about how quickly this was caught he stated that Dr. Richard Marks was the Best Diagnotician in the Chicagoland area. This I knew to be true as my son isn't the only one in my family that Dr. Marks diagnost early and saved considerable pain and suffering to a child. My family will miss him greatly and we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his entire family. We know God has a place reserved for him in heaven
April 12, 2008
I first met Dr. Marks when I was a very sick 10 year old. He was not my pediatrician, but my Dr. was out of town. Dr. Marks came to my very bed and diagnosed me with mono. My parents were shocked that he would come to our house! $5. That was his fee. Years later, I was privileged to have Dr. Marks as pediatrician for my own children. $5 - his fee for MY children! When my sons were born at LGH, his fee for FOUR visits was $28 total! That alone, was such a blessing to a young couple with modest resources. Our older son was very ill and Dr. Marks probably saved his life by diagnosing him so quickly. He was quiet, kind, and the most amazing diagnostician! I feel privileged to have had him for our Dr. Praise God for his amazing example of a godly man.
terry mcgowan
April 12, 2008
I moved out west 5 years ago,so I keep up with the obits on here.I have read about alot of wonderful people,but this man is a true saint,what a wonderful life he lived.What lucky people you all are to have known him,bless him and his family,and the rest of us also.
Beth Black
April 11, 2008
I would like to indulge in a childhood account of Dr. Marks visits, since we patients are together here in his guest book right now, and have a chance to exchange stories and memories for and with his family.
While looking through the worn pages of the Highlights magazine, you would keep one eye on the door to see if HE would leave the door ajar, it meant ....come in...... your next.
There was always a hint of intrigue as a child when entering Dr. Mark's inner
office, he with his white shirt and rolled up sleeves, black slacks, glasses,
the only thing that seemed to change where his shoes, as material changed.
The office did not change either.
While he was pokin and proding ever so gently and without much conversation, I too was examining him, that was the fun of going to Dr. Marks,to see this man
at work, even as a child I knew I was witnessing something special, I knew by high school, I was in the presence of a Great man.
His office was a time warp and Dr. Marks was at the tale end of of a dying breed of doctors, one I loved.
I knew then ,that, what was happening, I would never experience again, and much less try and explain to friends. They would not believe such a doctor existed in our time.
Thank you for the entry that sparked the memory of making change from his wallet, I forgot about that, unbelievable.
what about. . the milk bottle he would put the used needles in.
the scale you had to hop on in your skivvys shivering. the single chair he had for
you to put your folded clothes on, the clean desk, that seemed its sole purpose was to serve as a surface to fill out a school form or prescription, How amazingly quiet it always was in his office, and how quiet Dr. Marks was to a child.
and most of all do you remember if you or your mom, made him smile, that was
the best.. He had one great smile.
Thank you Dr. Marks for setting a precedent for all other Doctors
to live up to that I have and will encounter through out my life.
You set the bar so high, no others can come close.
Now if ever I am sick , I will bring you in spirit to the Drs. office,
and you will still be protecting me against illness, but on a whole
other level.
God Bless the Marks family for being so understanding of your fathers calling.
You as a family sacrificed much I can only guess.
I thank you all.
with sincere sympathy and admiration,
Beth Black
Marlene DiBrito
April 11, 2008
Dr.Marks was the last of his kind. Available for the sick always, gentle, kind, great with the children and truly a "man of medicine".
We were in Park Ridge with the care of Dr.Marks and will never forget him. Our sympathies to his family. He is now probably taking care of the angels.
Patricia Rasmussen
April 11, 2008
Dear Dr. Marks was as concerned about our 9 kids as we were. One of the kids in particular was very suspicious of him. He laughed heartily as she eyeballed him and jumped off the table and disappeared through the door.
We all love him and never forget his great, big heart and his many endearing ways.
The Pat Rasmussen Family, Chicago
Nancy Black
April 11, 2008
This dear, dear Doctor was a very influential person in the life of our family. In 1965, he was so very busy and over booked he could not accept new patients. I was encouraged to call him when one of our young ones was ill and, sure enough, he said "come on in". That was in 1965! He then became our affordable pediatrician and kept our brood of 18 youngsters in good working order. In that context, he saved our 11-month old with an early diagnosis of spinal meningitis.
His example taught this mom not to panic or get overly excited. Call Dr. Marks! He was the calming influence.
Yes, all the superlatives mentioned here are Dr. Marks' a hundred fold over. I do hope he was a satisfied retiree as he can now be a satisfied angel close to Our Good Lord.
Nancy (Robert) E. Black, Park Ridge
Denis Paluch
April 11, 2008
In the mid 1950's when my younger brother
was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently died, Dr. Marks was there - caring. A remarkable doctor - a remarkable man - never to be forgoten.
Marilyn Neidhardt
April 11, 2008
The Neidhardt family will be forever grateful to Dr. Marks for all the medical care & knowledge he imparted to my family, which included my four children and the Becker nephews and niece. He certainly earned our prayers for a most "significant" place with the Lord. Sincere condolences to his family on the loss of this "special" person.
Dianne Foster
April 10, 2008
Heaven now has a true patron saint of children. If only today's medical
professionals had a bit of Dr. Mark's
ethics and caring, how blessed we
would all be.
Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Matt Bourke
April 10, 2008
I have nothing but admiration for Dr. Marks. He was my pediatrician and even as a child I knew he was an excellent physician, and most likely one of a kind. My parents would make me call him myself when I was sick. I remember calling him one evening and telling him my symptoms. He told me to come to the office at 9 o'clock. I told him ok and
I would see him in the morning and he said"No, tonight! My father and I went up to his office and there came Dr. Marks opening up the office just to see me. I have been in the medical field for almost 15 years and I have often talked about Dr. Marks. I think all of us who were treated by Dr. Marks are very lucky. My sympathy goes out to the Marks family, and also my sincere appreciation for all that Dr. Marks did for my siblings and I. In my eyes, Dr. Marks was a real hero.
Patricia Dasso
April 10, 2008
There will probably never be a doctor again like Dr. Marks. I agree with everything that has been said about him. 22 years ago, he correctly diagnosed that my daughter had Juvinile Rheumatoid Arthritis after several doctors dismissed it as just a temporary skin ailment. His early diagnosis and his excellent referral to a specialist is, I am positive, the reason why she has no lasting effects from the disease. We also remember his humble office, which was more efficient than other ones which had an army of assistants. Once he found out that he was out of whooping cough vacine, so while we were in his office he went to the pharmacy to buy it right then and there. My husband remembers his beautiful bronze microscope. It was always visible on the shelf in his little office. God bless him and his family. He was truly a wonderful man.
Linda Freebern
April 10, 2008
What a wonderful,caring,devoted doctor.He cared for all of my six children.After my husband died in 1964,at theage of 38,Dr.Marks never charged me for any office visits.
He was truly a kind,gentle,devoted doctor and friend.How lucky we all are in knowing him.He was a blessing.
June Friel and Linda,Bill,Barbara,Bob,Jim and John
Felicia Lahart
April 10, 2008
Dr. Marks was not only my doctor as a child, but also my mother's, aunts' cousins'.... We still talk about Dr. Marks, his bicycle, medicine bag, and good old fashion medicine practice. He knew how to talk to us children gently while still demanding our cooperation. Dr. Marks kept it "simple." He was sweet, humble, and generous. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Terese Piazza McGrath
April 10, 2008
My parents moved to Park Ridge from Cary in '57, mom was searching for a pediatrician, Dr. Marks' name was listed in the yellow pages. The same quiet, sweet, gentle, humble doctor who worked at the Oak Park clinic she brought us to a few years earlier. So once again, he became our doctor and later for my own three daughters until he retired. One wonderful memory of the unique Dr. Marks was that he came to our home on a very snowy Christmas Eve to care for one of my sisters. He truly was a phone call away. A gentle soul that heaven has been waiting for. Thank you for giving yourself to us and to our children. And thank you to your family for sharing you for so many years. God bless.
Christine Julitz-Gadomski
April 10, 2008
Dr. Marks was my doctor as a child and I have fond memories of him. My deepest sympathy to the Marks family. He was a wonderful, kind man and will never be forgotten.
Leslie Wood
April 10, 2008
Dr. Marks was my pediatrician as well as my brother's and sister's. He was one remarkable person - so kind, so humble. I am sure God welcomed him home and said, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
Trudy Nelson
April 10, 2008
Dr. Marks was my pediatrician and my son's also. He was the best doctor I have ever known. The one thing I will always remember is his little black bag. And if he said something was so it was. I will always remember him fondly.
Judith Hasenjaeger
April 10, 2008
Our family first met Dr. Marks 52 years ago when taking our son in for his newborn check up. He then took care of our two daughters that followed. Dr Marks always answered his own phone,made his own appointments and even gave you change from his wallet when paying for an office visit.
We just always thought that every Dr. practiced like this but learned that Dr. Marks was truly one-of-a-kind.There could never have been a more dedicated physician.
We were fortunate to have known him.
Our deepest sympathy is extended to his family.
The Hasenjaeger Family
Kathie Henriksen Nicolet
April 10, 2008
Oh, this is a sad, sad, day for me and my family. Only those who knew Dr. Marks could truly understand what an amazing, compassionate, gentle, soul he truly was. I can hardly contain the tears. Dr. Marks cared for my sister/brother in the 1950's when Drs actually made housecalls. My Mom loved to tell the story of Dr Marks coming to our little house - climbing 25 stairs and quietly knocking on the door at ll pm to see my brother who had contracted tonsillitis. My Mom opened the door and here was Dr Marks peeking over his glasses. He later cared for my four children - all born at Lutheran General - until he retired when my youngest was about 8 yrs old. He used to call her porkchop when he weighed her on that old white scale in his office as a newborn. How he smiled at these precious little babies. Who can forget the handwritten "invoices" - his amazing fees where he could have charged 5x as much - and didn't. He would always make time for a sick child - no matter what time of day. Loved his old medical bag - that silly old fur mitten that sat on his windowsill for years waiting for the little girl who had left it behind - but mostly.... I will remember his gentle manner - how kind he was - soft spoken - and how we loved to see him pedal up to his office on his bike. God Bless You, Dr. Marks. I am so unbelievably grateful to have known you - and trusted you as the Angel who looked out over my children for over 15 years to keep them happy and healthy. I know I speak for countless hundreds - who loved this dear man. We will miss you but Heaven has gained a very special Pediatrician/ Angel who will NEVER be forgotten. Dr Marks was one of a kind. My condolences to the family.
Cindy (Wagner)
April 10, 2008
Dr Marks was my pediatrician years ago. He was a gentle, kind man and one of the best. He was brilliant in that he prescribed what would make one healthy again, and this was not just writting a prescription. As a mother of 3 now, I wish for a pediatrician as great as he! My thoughts are with his family at this time. God Bless!
Janie Kearns Fallon
April 10, 2008
Dr. Marks was my pediatrician as well as my children's doctor. I remember him comming to our house in the middle of the night to take care of us, his fountain pen notes and his very humble demeanor. He truly was one of a kind. May you find peace and comfort in all of your memories of him. He touched many lives.
Mike Hanley
April 9, 2008
Dr. Marks was our family physician for many years. I am one of 12 siblings and he saw everyone of us as we grew. He saved my brother Jon's life when he was a baby. (the baby of the family). We all loved his bedside manner and even took our children to see him. no other doctor left a better impression than he did. Our deepest sympathy to his family. He was a great man and will be in our memories forever.
Richard & Susan Slupik
April 9, 2008
Dr. Marks was the Pediatrician for all three of our sons. He was an unbelievably dedicated, caring, and compassionate man---driven by love for all the little ones. Such a rarity in this day and age, and such a loss. Our prayers go to Dr. Marks and his family.
Richard & Susan Slupik
Randy & Pat Forrest
April 9, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Barbara Blume
April 9, 2008
Dr. Marks was an excellent diagnostician and helped solve a medical problem I had with my daughter. I will always be grateful.
Lynda Gunsteens Castelli
April 9, 2008
Dr. Marks was not only my children's pediatrician, but he was mine as well. He was a wonderful man whose dedication, humbleness, and soft spoken manner will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
phillip callozzo
April 9, 2008
To Mrs. Marks, Penny & David, Dr. Marks was the most kindest,humblest,gentle,brilliant,physician,I have had the honor and priviledge to have met in my sixty years on this earth. Those are not just my feelings but my wife Christine's too! Your husband & Father valued life beyond sacred! He was a true gift from Heaven to all who had any contact with him, our deepest condolences on your loss but Heavens gain! phillip callozzo Chicago police dept. dist. 024.
Ellen Daum-Grod
April 9, 2008
Dr. Mark's was my daughter's pediatrician. She was born 6 weeks early and I knew she was in the best of care. Even though this was 24 years ago and we have moved I never forgot him.
God Bless this wonderful man.
Sharon (Black) Havey
April 9, 2008
My mother and her friends tell the most candid stories about Dr. Marks dedication...parking at the end of the block in a blizzard, treking through the knee-high snow in the middle of the night with his little black bag to attend to over a dozen sick children. "He could never turn down a sick child", she says. What vivid memories of such a gentle and intelligent man. Thanks for saving my life! May God bless you and keep you! Thanks for making sure we are grew to be happy & healthy adults!
Darcie and Paul Coy
April 9, 2008
My husband and I, as children, were both seen by Dr Marks. What a beautiful man.
God bless him and his family.
Patti Hankin
April 9, 2008
Dr. Marks was our family Pediatrician for more than 25 years. There will never be a more dedicated physician than he. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
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