William Madsen

On September 22, 2010, Bill Madsen lost his courageous two-month fight with pancreatitis, surrounded by family. He was born February 15, 1933, to Clara and Magnus Madsen in Salt Lake City. Bill lived most of his life in the Salt Lake Valley, attending South High School where he met his first wife, Shirley Johnson, the mother of his seven children. After 24 years of marriage they divorced and he married Sandy Pedersen in 1989. They have resided in his beloved Oakley, surrounded by his many pets. He worked in the automotive repair service all his life, where he developed relationships with thousands of customers over the years - "I fix cars and trucks!" he said. "Wild Bill" became his name when Howard Boulter, the announcer at the old Fairgrounds Speedway, watched him race. Bill, along with neighbor Dick Rosetta, helped make motor sports in Utah what it is today. He raced the CAMRA circuit throughout the Northwest, took home seven championships from in South Africa. Bill lived life to the fullest-he had so many passions! Hunting, fishing, bowling-he was a skier and a pilot, but most of all, he loved golf! Golf with friends, family and his sons, Craig and Gary. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, his children: Debbie Miller, Carolyn Bates (Gene), Craig (LeAnne), Cindy Hart (Don), Gary (Jackie), Colleen Verrinder (Tim), brother Vern (Shirley), 17 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his in-laws: Bob and Betty Stagg and Sandy's siblings. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Paul, Wesley, Robert, and daughter Wendy. Funeral services will be held at the Marion Stake Center (3038 North State Road 32, Marion Utah) on Monday, September 27, at 11 a.m. There will be a visitation from 10-10:45 prior to the services. Thanks to the ICU unit at LDS Hospital for their loving care.