Richard James Damisch, 94, of Colorado Springs, Colorado and formerly Northbrook, Illinois passed away on March 4, 2022. He was the youngest of five children born to Marcus William Damisch and Edna Emma (Hannah) Damisch on September 10, 1927 in Elgin, IL. He grew up on a dairy farm near Hampshire, IL. After graduating from Elgin High School, he proudly served his country in the US Navy on the USS Sarpedon (ARB-7) during World War II sailing to ports that included Shanghai, China, and Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. The GI Bill supported earning a Bachelor’s Degree from the Northwestern University School of Commerce in 1950. Richard built a successful business with the Damisch Advertising and Marketing Agency. He later returned to Northwestern as an executive earning an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management in 1979. He was instrumental in the development of his family farm, known as the Triple Oaks Farm subdivision in Hampshire, IL. Richard circled around the world on exotic adventures five times. He traveled to such places as Africa, Great Pyramids, the Holy Land, India, Kathmandu, 38th parallel, China, Japan, Australia, and Bora Bora. Damisch was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, Northwestern University Alumni Association, Circumnavigators Club, Northbrook Rotary, Society of Mayflower Descendants, The Village Presbyterian Church. He was past President and provided leadership for many organizations. In Boy Scouts, he was an active parent, leader and mentor. Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Jean Marilyn Larson of Chicago and their son, Richard Mark Damisch. On their journey of life together, they were blessed with three children, Kent (Kimberly) Damisch, Indianapolis, IN, Diane (Craig) Miller, Colorado Springs, CO, Richard Mark (Sharon) Damisch, Palatine, IL; grandchildren Brian (Catriona) and Brett (Jill) Damisch, Jessica and Christopher (Elizabeth) Miller, Bridie and Timothy Damisch, and great granddaughter Noelle Miller. He is also survived by his brother, John W. Damisch of Northfield, IL. Graveside Military Honors will be held at the Memorial Washington Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Elgin, IL. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Memorial Washington Reformed Presbyterian Church, 10508 North Church Street, Huntley, IL 60142.
Published by Chicago Tribune from Mar. 13 to Mar. 17, 2022.
