Alan Bartky Marsh

Alan Bartky Marsh
in Chicago, IL
in Ottawa, IL
Alan Bartky Marsh of Ottawa, Illinois, died peacefully in his home on April 4th, 2025.
Born in Chicago in 1939, Alan grew up with his parents and two siblings in the city's Southside neighborhood of Beverly. At the age of twelve, he and his family left the city for the country and moved into a farmhouse nestled between the crop fields and woods along the Fox River.
After graduating from Serena High School, Alan went on to study at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, earning a bachelor's degree in history. He thereafter attended John Marshall Law School in Chicago, where he acquired his Juris Doctorate degree.
As a new lawyer, Alan first gained experience as an Assistant Public Defender for the Cook County Juvenile Public Defender's Office, as well as with various private law firms in Chicago. Desiring to live back in the country, he thereafter returned to Ottawa, where he formed a partnership with attorney Robert E. White. Together they built the law firm of White & Marsh. With the cooperation of talented attorneys and wonderful support staff, the firm grew to be known in high regard. Additionally, Alan purchased what was formerly the law office of Thomas Anderson in Earlville, Illinois, where he served the community there for many years. After the passing of White, Alan formed a partnership with attorney Paul V. Martin, and the firm evolved into what is now known as Marsh, Martin, Vickers, Deobler & Temple.
Dedicated to and always appreciative of those who trusted him for their personal affairs, Alan served over 50 years as an attorney in Ottawa, representing clients in LaSalle County as well as other counties surrounding the North-Central Illinois river valley.
While building his own house under the plans of architect Ronji Borooah, he met Janet Zimmerman. They were married in 1980, and in their newly built home, raised two children, Alex and Natalie.
While he enjoyed the practice of law, Alan's greatest passion was automotive racing. As a teenage student at Serena High, he and his friends created a car club which they called "The Serena Slicks." Members of the club were only those who shared the utmost enthusiasm for all things automotive, especially drag racing. What was previously the family sedan, Alan took a 1954 Mercury and boosted its V8 engine with a supercharger. This customization paid off, and Alan enjoyed several summers of the '60s as the undefeated champion at Oswego Dragway.
Alan then got into road racing on the Mid-America SCCA circuit, driving both the Italian-made Alfa Romeo Spider and the Alfa Romeo Typo 33/2 Daytona racecars on various circuits across the country. In September 1972 at the SCCA Regional Race held at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, he drove the Typo 33/2 Daytona to first place in the B Sports/Racing class, and second overall. He remarked that, of all the road courses he ever raced, his favorite was the beautiful Road America.
Alan is survived by his wife, Janet Zimmerman Marsh, and his two children, Alexander and Natalie. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter Marsh, his sister, Diana Saaby, and his parents, John and Edith.
Per Alan's wishes, there will be no public visitation or other funeral events. Seals-Campbell Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Memorial gifts and other condolences may be sent to 2275 N. 3559th Rd., Ottawa, IL 61350.
Seals-Campbell Funeral Home
1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341
815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.com