Frances (Fritz) Marvel passed away peacefully on December 23rd, 2021, in Madras Oregon at Aging with Grace Adult Foster Care home.

He was born in The Dalles, Oregon on August 28th, 1926, to his parents, George (Ted) Marvel and Kathryn Burtner Marvel.

Fritz grew up in Boyd and Dufur, OR where he attended Dufur High School, and was active in sports, band, and saddle club. He graduated in 1944.

In 1945 he enlisted in the Army Air Force serving in the Army Occupation in Germany as shop foreman of the Special Purpose Motor Pool until the war ended in 1947.

Following the war Fritz attended Oregon State majoring in Agriculture and took a course in Architecture/Drafting. He then returned to Dufur and farming.

On 9/17/50 he married Marcia Russell. They had three children: Nancy, Steve, and Joyce. In 1953 they moved to Rockaway where he began 30 years as Manager of Camp Magruder United Methodist Camp. While managing the camp he oversaw major expansion including building three lodges, new cabins, a boat house, maintenance shop, additional bath house, and an apartment for camp deans. He was proud of the landscaping he developed and the Rhododendrons he nurtured. Fritz delighted in seeing church campers and outdoor school students enjoy the camp, Smith Lake, and the beach. His special gifts to them were donkey rides and the big swing, which he designed and built on a 60 ft. tree. After 30 years managing the camp, he worked 9-1/2 years as Superintendent of Maintenance for the seven camps & retreat center of the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church while continuing to live at Magruder. Fritz retired in 1992.

Fritz, while living in Rockaway, was active in the community where he served on the Neah-Kah-Nie School Board and as chairperson for a term, was on the rural Garibaldi Fire Board, and was a member of Rockaway Lion’s Club. He was a member of the Garibaldi United Methodist Church, and taught church school.

Fritz and Marcia divorced in 1973. He married Mary Ellen Edwards in 1974. She had two daughters, Kitty and Gayle. Mary Ellen died in 1979.

In 1980 Fritz married Sharon Graymer. She had a son, Jeff and a daughter, Janelle. They shared a passion for their combined family, the camp, and after his retirement and move to Madras in 1992, volunteering and providing leadership for Habitat for Humanity with Fritz heading up construction and/or renovation of 15 affordable homes. Fritz served on the Madras United Methodist Church Board of Trustees.

He lived his life fully and joyfully. He loved cultivating roses and tomatoes; enjoying family time; caring for, riding & parading his two mules; playing Penuche with friends; and exploring his much-loved Central Oregon on Sunday afternoon drives. In August his family gathered to celebrate his 95th birthday.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Kathryn Marvel; his sister, Georgia Mead; his nephew, Ed Franz; daughter-in-law May Lynn Graymer; granddaughter, Melissa Christopherson; former spouses, Mary Ellen Marvel and Marcia Robinson; and life-long friend. Louis Bleim.

Fritz is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sharon; his sister, Linda Marvel (Chuck Meis) of Olympia, WA; his children, daughters, Nancy Marvel Skowrup of McMinnville, Joyce Marvel Benoist (Francois) of Albany, son, Steve Marvel (Elaine) of Salem; stepdaughters, Janelle Graymer Janutka (Chris Myers) of Washougal, Kitty Edwards Oreskovich of Milwaukie, and Gayle Edwards Rodabaugh of Portland; and stepson, Jeff Graymer (Fern) of Beaverton; sister-in-law, Karen Ashlock (Joe) of Madras; 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; 1 niece, 1 nephew, 2 great-nieces, and, 5 great-nephews.

Donations can be made to Camp Magruder Maintenance Fund on this site: http://www.gocamping.org/donate or mailed to: Camp & Retreat Ministries, OR-ID Conference United Methodist Church, 1505 SW 18th St., Portland, OR 97201 - designating Camp Magru

The Celebration of Life Memorial gathering is scheduled for Saturday, June 4 at Camp Magruder at Rockaway Beach 1:30-4:30. Bunkbed lodging can be rented from the camp by contacting elainemarvel@gmail.com if you would like to join the family in enjoying great camp memories June 3,4,5.

If questions please contact Sharon Marvel 541-410-3139