Former Marvin Windows & Doors president and long-time board member Frank R. Marvin passed away on March 2. With a remarkable 42-year career at the window and door manufacturer, Marvin's legacy is one of incredible personal impact on thousands of customers, employees and community members. His uncommon ability to genuinely and thoughtfully connect with people by recalling the smallest and most unique of details about them, coupled with his signature humility and approachability, will leave a lasting effect on all who had the opportunity to know him.
Contributions to Marvin
Frank Marvin's customer-centric mindset and dedication to people shaped cornerstones of the Marvin business, including the company's Signature Services department. Most notably, he will be remembered for initiating the company’s production of its first round top windows, which would usher in the mass production of radius windows in the industry.
He joined Marvin full-time in April 1969 and would later become the first member of the third generation of Marvin family to be elected to the board of directors. He served as vice president of sales from 1977 to 1981, after which he began an 11-year term as company president during a period of significant growth for Marvin. He later served as vice chairman of the board and led company-owned distribution and retail operations until he retired in August 2011. Although he had been officially retired from full-time employment for 13 years, he still met with customers regularly near Marvin’s Warroad headquarters, usually over breakfast or lunch.
Work with WDMA
Throughout his career, Frank Marvin was involved in many civic and business organizations, including serving as a long-time board member and chairman of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association. "Frank's contributions to the association and the industry are innumerable," says Michael O'Brien, WDMA president and CEO. "His leadership and support of WDMA helped propel it into the vital association it is today."
Family remembrance
Despite his successes, nothing meant more to Frank Marvin than his wife of 57 years, Margaret, their six children and spouses, and their 24 grandchildren, which represent part of the fifth generation and future of the company.
"My dad touched so many with his genuine interest in others—be it customers, employees community members or his own family," says Paul Marvin, Marvin board member and CEO. "It will be impossible to replicate his trademark ability to make every person feel special and his uncanny talent for connecting to so many in a very relatable way. We are incredibly fortunate to have known his kindness, his commitment and his unwavering support."
"My dad was always willing to do whatever it took to meet our customers' needs," says Will Marvin, Marvin board member and director of retail operations. "Where others saw the impossible, he relished the opportunity to find a solution and inspire others to do the same."
"My dad's leadership and influence on the business through so many decades is something I will always remember and am grateful to have learned from,” says Dan Marvin, Marvin board member and president of Infinity from Marvin. "Marvin simply would not be what it is without his countless contributions."
Memorial details
A visitation will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 10 at the Wm. S. Marvin Training and Visitor Center in Warroad, Minnesota, with a prayer service at 6 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 11 at the Warroad High School gymnasium.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Warroad RiverPlace, an arts, culture and event center opening in the fall of 2024.
Warroad RiverPlace
P.O. Box 17
Warroad, MN 56763
More information is available at helgesonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Frank-Marvin.
