Marvin Ray Ferguson

Marvin Ray Ferguson, age 86 of Richland Center, passed away peacefully at the Richland Center Hospital on Friday, October 28th, 2022. He was born on January 14, 1936 in Rockbridge, Wisconsin, the son of Orla and Lucille (Shaw) Ferguson, the sixth of six children. After the age of 6 months, he was raised by Nolan and Roxanne Ferguson, his aunt and uncle. His adoptive sisters include Irene, Inez, and Evelyn. After attending Richland Center High School, he joined the Army. While in the Army, he was stationed in Germany and qualified as a sharpshooter. He competed in many shooting competitions for the Army. Marvin returned to Gotham, WI to run the family farm after his dad suffered a heart attack. He eventually moved to Madison, WI. There he worked at Manchesters Department Store where he met Janet Shannon. They were later married on July 16, 1960 and lived in Madison for almost two years before moving to Richland Center where they raised their five children. Marvin worked for the Milwaukee Road railroad for 18 years as a crew member and eventually became the roadmaster. After the railroad, Marvin worked for the Richland County Highway Department plowing snow and taking care of the county parks. He continued working into his 70’s and eventually retired to spend time on their property in Richland Center. Marvin’s favorite activity was to be outside enjoying the countryside, oftentimes on his tractor in the woods, surveying which trees to needed to be cut for winter wood. Earlier in his life he was an avid hunter of deer and morel mushrooms. Marvin was proud of all of his children and grandchildren and often talked about them. He enjoyed visiting with friends, neighbors, and family and sharing stories. He is survived by his 5 children, Brian Ferguson of Sugar Grove, IL, Debbie Ferguson of Madison, WI, Daniel (Lynda) Ferguson of New Glarus, WI, Todd (Susan) Ferguson of Woodstock, IL, and Tricia Ferguson of Oregon, WI; 9 grandchildren, Cody and Colton Ferguson of Kankakee, IL, Brianna (Blake) O’Brien of Madison, WI, Logan Ferguson of New Glarus, WI, Alex (Mary Grace) Ferguson of Davenport, Iowa, Kathryn Ferguson of Golden, CO, Ryne Ferguson, Bryson and Regyn Jelle of Belleville, WI; sister Evelyn Chitwood, and many nieces and nephews. Marvin was preceded in death by his wife Janet, adoptive parents, Nolan and Roxanne Ferguson, 4 brothers, Clifford, Frank, Jim, and Richard Ferguson, a sister, Bonnie Felland, and adoptive sisters Inez and Irene. A special thank you to Marvin’s caretakers, Linda, Deb, and Todd, as well as grandson Ryne, for their loving support through this difficult time. Please join the family in a celebration of his life on November 25, 2022 at Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center. Visitation will be from 11-1 PM with lunch being served during visitation. The local military honors unit will provide military graveside rites at 1:00 PM at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home. www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com

Marvin Ray Ferguson

January 14, 1936 - October 28, 2022