Marvin V. Andersen M.D.

1932 - 2021

Marvin V. Andersen, MD

New York, NY - Surrounded by his loving family, Marvin Verne Andersen, MD, age 89, passed away on April 28, 2021 at his home in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, from complications of pancreatic cancer.

Marvin was born in New York, New York on March 17, 1932 to Marvin Verne Andersen, Sr. and Ella Marie Butzer and grew up in North Muskegon, Michigan. Marvin graduated from the University of Michigan with a BS in Chemistry in 1954 and a degree in Medicine in 1958 and, having excelled in his studies, was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. During his time there, Marvin met Kathryn G. Spackman, a PhD candidate, whom he married on September 4, 1954.

Marvin dedicated his life to the service of others. Following graduation, Marvin interned at Delaware Hospital and completed his residency at Delaware Hospital and the Hospital for the Women of Maryland, where he specialized in obstetrics and gynecology. Serving the Wilmington community, Marvin practiced medicine for more than 40 years and delivered thousands of children before retiring.

Marvin's commitment to civil service extended beyond his profession. Marvin was active in the Rotary Club of Wilmington, Delaware up until his death, having joined in 1970. In 2005, Marvin and Kathryn moved to Charlestown Farm in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where they and their children had started a CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture). It has become a mainstay of the community, providing sustainably-grown produce for 170 families each year.

Most prominent among his passions stood Marvin's love for playing the trumpet. Marvin started learning at age eight and continued performing throughout his entire life, including on his last day. Marvin played with numerous organizations, including the University of Michigan Concert Band, where he was first chair and solo cornetist under the direction of William D. Revelli, the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, the Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass Band, and the Rhythm Doctors.

Marvin loved travelling and explored the world with his family. He visited nearly every U.S. state, dozens of countries, and all seven continents. Marvin's travels included medical studies in China and Africa, and even trips to the South Pole, where he served as the ship's doctor aboard an icebreaker. Marvin particularly enjoyed the outdoors, hiking through 26 of the country's 63 National Parks, and birdwatching in South America.

Marvin is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Kathryn; four children, James S. Andersen (Linda), William M. Andersen (Elizabeth), Sarah A. Willig (Hugh), and Donald H. Andersen (Elizabeth); fifteen grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and his sister, Jeanne Dustin.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Marvin's life at Charlestown Farm, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Rotary Foundation:

The Rotary Foundation

c/o Rotary Club of Wilmington

P.O. Box 685

Wilmington, DE 19899