Services for Edward McArdle Friday in St. Charles

A local entrepreneur who helped put St. Charles on the map for thousands of out of town visitors has died.

Edward J. McArdle, 88, died at his home Monday.

St. Charles residents will know him best for his legacy as a successful real estate and hotel developer. In particular, his local landmark, Pheasant Run Resort, celebrated 50 years in business in 2013. The resort came to life after inking a deal with another iconic St. Charles resident, Col. Edward Baker, to purchase his 175-acre dairy farm on what was then just outside of the city limits.

Trade publications from just a few years ago indicate McArdle was still a presence at the resort, engaging customers in conversation while walking the grounds with his pet bulldog.

Former St. Charles Mayor Fred Norris remembered McArdle as a businessman who had both successes and failures but always came out on top in the end.

"He brought something definitely unique to the city from the standpoint of first class live entertainment," Norris said Tuesday. "He was always wheeling and dealing and was just the personification of a dreamer. He made a lot of those dreams come true."

McArdle went on to successful ventures in Florida and the Virgin Islands but maintained residence in St. Charles.

He is survived by his wife, Marian, two sons and a daughter and their families.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main St., St. Charles. There will be a Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2900 E. Main St., St. Charles. Burial will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Geneva.

The family asks that memorials, in lieu of flowers, be sent to The Alzheimer's Association, Greater Illinois Chapter.

For more information, or to leave a message for the family, visit: www.yursfuneralhomes.com.