Marvin Norris Fosaaen, of New Glarus, WI passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the William S. Middleton VA Hospital, Community Living Center Hospice after a brief decline but full life of 93 years.
He was born the baby and a proud Norwegian, on a farm in Ossian, lowa January 21, 1933, to Oscar Edward Fosaaen and Lauritz “Laura” Erica Hagelie Fosaaen. Marvin served as a Corporal in the United States Army 96th Field Artillery during the Korean War including two cold years in Korea in 1953 and 1954. Prior to serving his country and upon his return, he farmed with his dad in Ossian. Throughout his life, Marv held several jobs including Street Commissioner in Postville, lowa, assembler at GM in Janesville, Klassy Milling in New Glarus, and Federal Industries in Belleville until retiring in September, 1994.
On May 26, 1974, Marvin married Wilma Saxer Disch and spent 14 wonderful and loving years together each summer traveling, before her early passing on Dec. 7, 1988. Marvin then married Joan Matson Benson on October 27, 1990, and they spent 33 beautiful, active years together. They bought their forever home on Lake George, Florida in 1992 spending a few summers at Falling Rock, WI before transitioning fully to sunny FL never having to endure the cold and shovel again. They enjoyed travelling through many states, often with his dear sister-in-law Marjorie Griffing riding the backseat. Another past time was boating on beautiful Lake George where they resided until Joan’s passing and his move back to Wisconsin in the fall of 2023. He visited every state but Alaska which was scheduled in 2020 but had to be cancelled because of the pandemic. They had many close friends in FL including dear neighbors John and Diann Gregory and the adopter of a few animals he nourished, Joy King. He had a fondness for the FL neighborhood dogs (Jasper, Rosie, Ziggy) and stray cats (Azalia, Boots, Ugly, Peppy).
Marvin proudly played guitar and bass guitar for over 60 years, purchasing his first guitar in the service. He played in communities locally with Hank Elmer; Everett Knutson and the Farm Hands (cutting two LPs); and the Norske Band. One of his favorites was playing at Puempels Tavern for 32 years for festival weekends. During his time in Florida, he played with various bands, including the Texas Drifters, at places like the Moose Lodge, the Eagles Club, the VFW, and local nursing homes.
He was a proud charter member of the New Glarus VFW Post 10549 and a life member of the Palatka VFW Post 3349 in Florida during his years there as well as the New Glarus American Legion Stuessy Kuenzi Post 141. At 91, he (along with his sponsor Dorene), was grateful to fly with the 55th Badger Honor Flight on September 7, 2024, to Washington DC.
Marvin was constantly putzing, remodeling any home he lived in and working on one project after another. He could jury-rig or fix just about anything. There were many a great story about his repairman ship and creative handyman skills including fixing someone’s dentures with a plastic toothbrush. He was always at the ready for anyone who needed any help but always turned down that same help in return. In his early years he was an active blood donor and hunter.
Marv was a gentle, kind soul with a quick wit. He loved watching the history and discovery channel, gameshow network, and old shows including Gunsmoke, Andy Griffith and his nightly reruns of MASH knowing many episodes by heart. His nightly whiskey coke and his easy-going personality were the absolute keys to his long life. His hand-made turtle candies were a cherished gift to the family every Christmas.
He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar (1956) and Laura (11/27/1986), wife Wilma Saxer Disch Fosaaen (12/7/88), wife Joan Greenwalt Matson Benson Fosaaen (8/21/23), three sisters - Ethel 1970 (Bud Zweibohmer), Evelyn, 2011 (Albert Volland), Darlene, 2014 (Roy Klitzke), and two brothers – Jordeen 2012 (Edna) and Obert Fosaaen, (2002). Also, stepson Edwin Allen Disch (2015), stepdaughter Ruth Anne Disch (2017) and stepson Don Allen Matson (1976) and stepdaughter Shirley Ann Beeney (2022), step daughter-in-law Linda Disch (2024), step grandchild Tiffany Disch (1979).
He is survived by his stepchildren Willis Disch Jr., Larry (Linda) Disch, Donna (Leonard) Mulhollon, Dorene Disch all of Wisconsin, Hugh Matson (Hae Kyung) of Arizona, brothers-in-law, Roy Klitzke, Harry Saxer, nieces and nephews (esp. Lauri, Rory, Rick, Dave, Patty) and far too many grandchildren to mention by name but all dear to his heart.
Special thanks to his dear friends in Florida, the staff and residents of the New Glarus Home Campus, the Glarner Lodge, and the Glarner Haus Apartments for making the final two and half years in Wisconsin a place he could still live independently (and not be required to shovel snow). Thanks to all the dear sweet angels at the Madison VA who have taken such good care of him in life and during his time of crossing over. You provided care, compassion, and dignity to his final days. What a blessing you all are! And to his grandson Brendan and granddaughter Tera who were always there when needed, to unselfishly give back-up with his care.
Marv, you have left a larger-than-life hole in the lives of those who knew and loved you. Thanks for showing us the way to live this life here in the human world. May your guitar be strumming again and your friends, family, and a cold whiskey coke be there to greet you on the other side. Skål, prost, and yodelayheehoo.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 Sixth Ave., New Glarus, WI with Rev. Mary Gafner officiating. Inurnment will follow at the New Glarus Cemetery; full military honors will be accorded.
A gathering of relatives and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 Sixth Ave., New Glarus, WI, and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Friday at the funeral home.
A memorial fund has been established. Cards can be mailed to PO Box 727, New Glarus, WI 53574.
Online condolences may be given at www.bealfuneralhomes.com
