Mr. Frederick Peter Madsen Sr.

Frederick Peter "Pete" Madsen Sr., lived a full, happy life that ended on Wednesday October 26, 2016, with family and friends surrounding him. Pete was born and raised in Plentywood, Sheridan County, Montana, to Hans Peter Madsen and Olie Laura (Morgan) Madsen on January 9,1923. Pete enjoyed his childhood on a cattle ranch. In the county his father also farmed hundreds of acres of winter wheat, hay and flax. Pete's father was the elected Sheridan County Sheriff for decades and President of the Sheridan County Farm Bureau, his mother was a local school teacher, and his uncle's and grandfather John J. Morgan served in various branches of government in Montana. Pete fell in love and became engaged to Ethel Mae Mosher on a blind date in 1947. It was love at first sight and they were married for over 69 years. They settled in Santa Clara, California where they raised their five children. Pete and Ethel retired to Royal Oaks, California where he would spend the rest of his life surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, neighbors and friends. As a young man Pete was an Eagle Scout. Later in life Pete attended the acclaimed San Francisco Art Institute and was a gifted artist and painter. When World War ll began Pete was one of the first to sign up for duty. He joined the United States Army Air Corp where he was cadet pilot officer in training. Pete flew solos in a T6 called the Texas Trainer and was a test pilot on the P51 Mustangs. Pete was a member of Dept. of Veterans Affairs in Seaside Ca. and The American Legion Post # 1000 of Prunedale Ca. Pete retired a foreman with Hoge Brother's and belonging to the Painters and Tapers Trust. Any one who knew Pete would tell you he was a good man who was admired by all that knew and loved him. Pete passed away on Wednesday night as he listened to his favorite country songs and reminisced about his days in Montana with his loving brother Richard Madsen, and devoted wife Ethel, beloved personal caregiver daughter Aleta and family friend Kay Thornton by his side. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Hans Peter Madsen and Olie Laura (Morgan) Madsen and his sisters; Phyllis, Rachel, Margaret, her twin sister Mary and Eleanor. He is survived by his loving wife, Ethel Mae (Mosher) Madsen, and his loyal brother Richard Madsen. Pete's children; Earl Pete (Laura) Madsen, Fred Madsen Jr., Letitia (James) Fitch, Aleta Madsen, Joseph (Sarah) Madsen, Rozanna Madsen. Grandchildren; Renee, Tanya, Matthew, Circe, Desiree, Bradley, Hope, Cammy, Sarah, Sammy, Danny. Great grandchildren; Kaijae, Malini, Maea, Aramae, Nathan, Adam, Kate, Qirra, Luna Louise and numerous loving nieces and nephews.