Marvin Wendt

Madison Public Library Foundation recently received a gift from the estate of Marvin Wendt

   As a young child, Marvin was a Boy Scout, an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow.  He graduated from Madison East High School in 1971.  He joined the Air Force shortly after graduating from high school and served six years.  He served as an active duty reservist at Volk Field until taking early retirement due to his health.  He traveled quite extensively during his years in the military and felt that Americans should have to live in other countries to see what it was like to have nothing.

  Mr. Wendt never married.  He was a quiet man who spent much of his free time in libraries.  He was interested in birds, fish, gardening, politics and his family history. One of his dear friends wrote “Marvin taught me about Commitment. He led by example. He taught me about Selfless Service. He gave unconditionally. He taught me about Honor, the unquestionable kind. He taught me how to live my life because of how he loved to live his.”  In addition to the Madison Public Library Foundation, Mr. Wendt left bequests to the Mauston and Tomah Public Libraries.