Marvin J. Fruth

MADISON - Marvin Joseph Fruth, a devoted husband, father, Marine Veteran, respected educator, and passionate outdoorsman, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025.

Marvin grew up in the Greenbush area of Madison and graduated from Central High School in 1949. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Marvin proudly served his country during the Korean War; he was awarded the Purple Heart in combat, although he never discussed it.  He lived with the quiet discipline and humility that marked his service.

After the Marine Corps, Marvin began his education journey at UW-Whitewater before attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison on the GI Bill. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor's in History and English. During a decade of teaching, Marvin earned a Master's in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Missouri through the National Defense Education Fellowship. In 1966, he earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, which furthered a distinguished career in higher education. Marvin became a professor of Educational Administration and eventually served as Department Chair until his retirement. He leaves a legacy as Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin.

More than anything, Marvin’s life was shaped by his love for his wife, Beautiful Beatrice Dehaven Fruth. Married just shy of 70 years, Beatrice was not only his partner but also his reason for being. Their marriage was a living example of love, faith, and patience, and their bond was the heart of his world.

From helping generations of students earn their doctorates to patiently teaching his children and grandchildren how to hunt and fish, his dedication to others extended from the chalkboard to the pier. Alongside Beatrice, he welcomed his family and his students’ families into a circle of warmth, support, and unconditional love. Together, they made everyone feel a part of something special.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice; his son, Joseph Fruth; his parents, Joseph and Irene Fruth; his brother, Gerald Fruth and sister-in-law, Beverly; his sister, Josephine Fruth Rodgerson and brother-in-law, Dennis Rodgerson; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Bill and Mary DeHaven, Jim and Betty Schwarz, and Charlie and Patty Reithmeyer; his son-in-law, Paul Lindenmeyer; granddaughter-in-law, Rayanna DiSalvo; and dear lifelong friends, Jerome “Moe” Cefalu and Richard “Mac” McCann.

Marvin is survived by his sister, Gail (Richard) Bogdanow; loving children: Renee (Phil) North, Pam Fruth, Cindy (David) Zink, Michelle (Gary) Pressentin, and Charles (Beth) Fruth. He was a proud grandfather to Joshua, Kali, Zachary, Nicolas, Joseph Jr., Wyatt, Nicole, Chelsey, Dylan, Jacob, Hannah, Arabela, Jeffrey, Samuel, and Gigi; and great-grandfather to Kierra, Kyra, Jayla, Maia, Aria, Annabel, Felix, Rhett, Charlotte, Charlie Bea, Emmett, and babies Fruth and Zink-due this summer.

Marvin will be remembered as a man committed to faith, education, family, friends, and the community. He generously lived as a teacher, mentor, Marine, and, most of all, a family man. He is now reunited with his beloved Beatrice, and their story continues.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, with Father Chad Droessler presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday. After Mass, Marvin and Beatrice will be buried together at Highland Memory Gardens. A luncheon and celebration of Marvin’s life will follow at The East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, where friends and family will gather to share memories, stories, and love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Marvin and Beatrice Fruth Great People Scholarship, created by the Fruth Family to honor their parents’ legacy by providing greater access to continuing education. The fund is proudly supported by many of the students Marvin and Beatrice mentored throughout their lifetime. To donate online, visit: supportuw.org/giveto/fruthfund

Please select: Marvin and Beatrice Fruth Great People Scholarship #132307576

To donate by mail, please send checks to: UW Foundation - US Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807. Please record Fund #132307576 in the memo line.

The family thanks Father Chad Droessler of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, the loving and compassionate Gabriel “Gabby” Cranley of Thrive at Home, Alison and the team at Agrace, and the caring staff at Oak Park Place.  

Semper Fi

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420