Marvin was born
on September 16, 1947 in San Francisco, California, son of Marvin D.
Free and Julia (Frierson) Free. He earned a BBA (‘70), MBA
(‘72), and MA (‘77) from Baylor University and a PhD (‘85) from
the University of Denver.
In July 1979, Marvin married his
wife, Sandra Gardsbane. They were married for forty years.
Together they had two children, Jonathan Free and Benjamin Free.
Marvin was involved in his children’s lives as an active volunteer
and leader in Boy Scouts. He never missed a sporting event or
school event in which they participated.
He began his teaching
career at UW-Marathon County in 1985. In 1996, he accepted a position
at UW-Whitewater, where he worked as a Professor of Sociology and
Criminology until his retirement in January 2015. He was the author
of many books and articles, where his research primarily centered on
wrongful convictions.
Following his retirement, he traveled
with Abby, his beloved dog, as a team visiting nursing homes, group
homes and day care centers. They were also a part of the
Reading Program at the Fort Library.
Marvin spent his time
diligently training Abby to compete in American Kennel Club Obedience
and Rally events. They were quite the team, winning many first
place ribbons as Abby acquired 6 titles.
Marvin was preceded
in death by his father, mother, sister, Faye Deaton, brother-in-law
Ray Deaton and brother-in-law, Brian Gardsbane. He is survived
by his wife Sandra, sons Jonathan and Benjamin, sister, Kaye (Don)
Ellison, and many family members and friends.
A memorial
service will be held graveside at Evergreen Cemetery, in Fort
Atkinson on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 11 am.
In lieu
of flowers memorials may be made to The Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson,
P.O. Box 205, Fort Atkinson WI 53538.
Dunlap Memorial Home,
Fort Atkinson, is assisting the family with arrangements.
