Marcus Ravnan

Centerville, GA - Marcus Ravnan died on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at age 87. He was born in Norfolk, VA on December 15, 1929, the son of Edna Annette (Martinson) and the Rev. Edwin Nicolai Ravnan. The family lived in Bergen, Norway for many years. Upon his return to the U.S., he served in the U.S. Army (and later in the Army Reserves, retiring as Master Sergeant). He married Jorun Ré�hnebé�k in Hamar, Norway on December 27, 1952. Marcus excelled in his profession as a Cardiovascular Perfusionist for 27 years in the UW-Madison Hospital's Department of Cardiac Surgery under Dr. William Young, and as Chief Perfusionist at Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham Alabama under Dr. Donald Kahn.

After his retirement in 1989, Marcus and Jorun returned to Madison. Jorun, also known as June, kept him well supplied with Norwegian goodies. He especially cherished his role as Bestefar to his grandchildren.

In his spare time, Marcus enjoyed working in his garden and yard, and keeping fit. He was in excellent health for most of his life. There were many who enjoyed his unique sense of humor. Among his other interests were church music and his Norwegian heritage.

He is survived by his three children, Peer (Rena) Ravnan of Macon, Georgia; Marit (Henry) Peters of Madison, and John (Heather) Ravnan of Greenville, South Carolina; four grandchildren, Kate and Carey Ravnan and Laura and Matthew Peters; three sisters, Kari (Billie) Wilson, Ragnhild Nary, Goody Ruhl, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jorun in 1998, after 45 years of marriage; and by his parents and siblings, Elisabeth Hamlow, Peer, Edwin, Hannah Mosand, and Fredrik.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Vermont Lutheran Church, 9886 Vermont Church Road, Black Earth, WI 53515 with Reverend Barry Hoerz presiding. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

Please share your memories of Marcus.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434