Donald Madsen

Donald Dean, son of Melvin T. and Verda (Nelson) Madsen, was born January 9, 1933, at home in Shelby County, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Elk Horn Lutheran Church and graduated from Audubon High School in 1951. Don served in the United States Army following high school. He trained at Ft. Sill, OK, and was stationed in Germany prior to his honorable discharge in 1955. Don ran the R&H Standard Gas Station in Kimballton from 1956 to 1968, and owned and operated the Madsen Oil business from 1965 to 1992. He also drove a school bus for the Audubon School District for 42 years. In his semi-retirement, Don drove a Windstar motorcoach for eight years. Don was united in marriage with Phyllis Nielsen on June 2, 1957, at Bethany Lutheran Church near Kimballton. They were members at Immanuel Lutheran Church, where Don held many leadership positions. He served on the Immanuel Lutheran cemetery board as well. Don served as the mayor and also as councilman for Kimballton. As a couple they enjoyed traveling, dancing, playing cards, and cribbage. Don especially enjoyed going for coffee and visiting with his friends. In 2005 Don and Phyllis moved to the Heritage House in Atlantic, Iowa. Don's health declined and he died there on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at the age of 80 years and 24 days. He is preceded in death by his parents; Phyllis' parents Ralph and Lena Nielsen; and his brother Otis Madsen. Don is survived by his wife Phyllis Madsen of Atlantic; sister-in-law Carolyn (Don) Fox of Spring, TX; nieces: Lori Sayles of Omaha; Lynne Madsen of Phoenix, AZ; Layna (Chad) Himmelberg of Elk Horn; Leigh Ann (Terry) Petersen of Elk Horn; Lynn (Ward) Utter of Devon, PA; and Sherry (Kevin) Carley of Spring, TX; great-nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Memorials may be made to ELCA World Hunger Relief, Loess Hills Preservation, Heritage House Atlantic or Immanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Pastor Joy Gonnerman, Officiating Congregational Hymns "In The Garden" "How Great Thou Art" "I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry" Sherry Hansen, Organist Casket Bearers Terry Petersen Chad Himmelberg Nolan Himmelberg Kevin Carley Ryan Carley Andrew Utter Interment Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery Kimballton, Iowa DON'S FAMILY WISHES TO EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE FOR YOUR KINDNESS EVIDENCED IN THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED, AND INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR LUNCH AND FELLOWSHIP AT THE CHURCH FOLLOWING THE COMMITTAL SERVICE.