Glenn V. Fuguitt

Glenn Fuguitt was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida, his father was Superintendent of Pinellas County Schools.  Glenn enlisted at 17, serving in Italy. He attended U of Fla, meeting Martha, the love of his life, in 1949. Proud Floridians, Glenn and Martha moved to Madison in 1954.  From the University and much-loved First Baptist Church to Oakwood, Madison has always been their home. 

To know Glenn was to know his kind smile, and quick wit, with a twinkle in his eye. A humble gentleman and scholar, Glenn defined the field of Rural Population, and was a founder of the WIS Applied Population Lab. Yet his personal inspiration came from “his students,” now professors, authors, and mentors alike.  Glenn & Martha welcomed students into their home, and built personal bonds by attending global meetings and conferences--turning professional mentorship into a labor of love. 

A Founder of the World Sociological Society, Glenn was awarded Distinguished Rural Sociologist, 1987, and Outstanding Scholar in Rural Demography, 2002.  A two term Department Head and journal editor, Glenn often published with his students and colleagues, notably Calvin Beale.  Yet at his core, Glenn was a big-hearted family man, once declaring: “my name is Daddy.” 

From father to grandfather, as “Papa,” Glenn’s life advice to his 3 “Grands” (aka grandsons) was to "do good work, help others and make a difference."  His absolute pride and joy were his two great grandchildren, Gracie Fuguitt, age 1, and Aiden Veitch, age 2 weeks.  Optimistic, Glenn loved life, and always wanted to be “in the game,” asking on his dying day “what’s our plan for tomorrow?”

Survivors include Daughter, Gayle Fuguitt and husband, Tom Veitch, Son, Graham Fuguitt and wife Margaret Fuguitt, and his 3 grandsons, Ian Veitch, wife Ashley, son, Aiden, Gus Fuguitt, wife Katie Fuguitt, daughter Gracie, and Henry Fuguitt. 

Memorial Service to be held Monday, February 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM, Oakwood Chapel, Oakwood Village, University Woods, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison, with Rev. Timothy Schaefer presiding.  Celebration of Glenn’s life to follow at the Village Inn, Oakwood West, Same address.

Memorial donations can be sent to the Glenn and Martha Fuguitt Fund, # 132040110. Checks should be made payable to the University of Wisconsin Foundation, and sent to: UW Foundation, U.S. Bank Lockbox, Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI, 53278-0807 or made on-line at: supportuw.org/giveto/FuguittFund