Jon Madsen

Jon Madsen

Reno - On April 13, Jon Madsen, known to many as Mudball, left this earthly adventure, ready to charge onto the next. His eventful life revolved around his love of family, skiing, travel, hunting, and work. He lived a life full of passion, adventure, and determination, all principles of "The Code of the West".

Jon was born March 7, 1940 to E.H. (Buster) and Eleanor Madsen. He attended Reno High School and graduated from the University of Nevada Reno in 1962. While at UNR, he was active in campus politics, ski team, Sigma Nu Fraternity, and the Vagabond Touring Association. Most importantly, he met the love of his life, Linda Young, who was wise enough to not go out on their first date until after his senior ski season. After graduating, Jon married and was commissioned in the US Army and served two years at Hunter Liggett Military Reservation.

Jon's love for skiing started in the 1940's when he was among the first small group of Reno kids to pile into Marce Herz's station wagon and head to Sky Tavern. There, he flourished under the tutelage of Gordy Wren. Ski Racing became a huge part of his life and where he made many life long friendships. He went on to be a Far West, Reno High, and collegiate skier. He raced in the days when each competitor competed in "4 ways"---giant slalom, slalom, jumping, and cross country. After his competitive ski racing days were over, he continued to pursue his love of skiing through travel and heli-skiing.

Jon enjoyed years of "off beat" travel which led him to many unique destinations including Mt. Everest, Timbuktu, Honduras, the Galapagos, Siberia, and Fiji, just to name a few. Jon was a true adventurer until the very end. Three weeks prior to his final breath, with pure determination, he traveled to the Ruby 360 Lodge in Lamoille, NV, where he had orchestrated a heli-ski trip for his daughter's family. There, he witnessed his grandchildren experiencing the joy of one of his life long passions--powder skiing.

Duck hunting was another passion. Weekends from October through December, "Mudball" could be found at the Canvasback Gun Club at Stillwater, NV. The times he spent at the duck club with his family and hunting buddies were priceless to him. He always marveled at the spectacular sunrises and sunsets that are unsurpassed in the Nevada marshes. His love for hunting, and the comradery of his buddies, took him on many hunting trips to Canada, Mexico, and Argentina.

Jon was proud of his work in the petroleum business. He stepped into the family business, Washoe Wood and Coal, which was started by his grandfather in 1912. In the 1940's, his father added petroleum products and the company became Washoe Fuel. It then evolved into Washoe/Keystone and later Allied Washoe Fuel. Jon served as president of various trade organizations including the Western Petroleum Marketers and the Pacific Oil Conference. He was honored as Man of the Year by the Western Petroleum Marketers in 1998.

Jon's community involvement included: The Junior Achievement Board, Washoe County Fair Board, Reno Mt. Rose Kiwanas, The Prospectors, The Better Business Bureau (President), Wadsworth Masonic Lodge, Reno Elks, and Kerak Shrine.

Jon raised his family to share his love for the outdoors. Almost every weekend was spent together exploring his beloved mountains or deserts, camping and fishing. Another family or two was always included. Many happy memories were made at Bucks Lake, CA, and later in Pine, Idaho.

Jon was preceded in death by his father, E.H. "Buster" Madsen, his mother, Eleanor Tubbs Madsen, and son, William (Will) Edward Madsen. He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Christine Huss (Phil); grandchildren Nils and Gretel Huss; sister Marilyn (Fred) Kuenzli Howell; brother, Mike (Jeanne) Madsen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Over the last 4 months, Jon had the pleasure and joy of sharing fond memories, stories, and quiet moments with friends and family, near and far. So many took the time to visit, call, and "give him energy" as he said his goodbyes to all those that were dear to his heart. With deep gratitude, Linda and Chrissie want to thank everyone who honored Jon's life and helped him transition peacefully to the "next adventure".

Also, a heartfelt thank you goes out to Reno-Renown Hospice (Joan Dwelley, Rose Cunningham, Rosanna Phillips, and volunteer Loren Chantler, who shared a personal connection with Jon and gave him their undivided attention). Lastly, many thanks to Edith Wright and Cara Coleman of Comfort Keepers, who helped make the nights go much smoother.

Upon his request, there will be no service. A "Mudball" party will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations: Reno Jr. Ski Program, Attn: Bill Henderson, 21130 Mt. Rose Hwy Reno, NV 89511; Nevada Waterfowl Association, Youth Programs, P.O. Box 18419, Reno, NV 89511; Reno Rodeo Association, Attn: Legacy Project 100yr Stories, P.O. Box 12335, Reno, NV 89510.