Gordon Kendall Madsen, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on April 12, 1938, in Moroni, Utah, to Theron and Thelma Bradley Madsen and was raised in Spring City, Utah. Gordon graduated from North Sanpete High School and attended Snow College until his funds ran out. He then moved to Elko, Nevada, where he began working for Standard Oil Company and met the love of his life, Eileen Anderson, who was visiting her grandmother. The two quickly felt a deep connection and began corresponding through letters. Gordon visited her whenever he could, and their relationship blossomed.
Eventually, Gordon was able to transfer to work in the Ogden area. He and Eileen became engaged at the start of Eileen's senior year of high school. She graduated on a Friday, and the two were married on the following Monday, June 1, 1959, in the Salt Lake Temple.
After their marriage, Gordon worked for the Ogden City School District in the warehouse before deciding to continue his education. He graduated from Weber State College with a bachelor's degree in education and spent the majority of his teaching career at Highland Junior High School in Ogden. After retiring from teaching, he worked as a custodian for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout his life, Gordon also worked numerous part-time jobs to support his growing family.
Gordon loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping with his family. He had a passion for gardening and took great pride in maintaining a beautiful yard. He was always eager to learn new skills, tackling home repairs and making many upgrades, including an addition specifically designed for family gatherings. A true handyman at heart, there was nothing he couldn't fix.
A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon served in many church callings, including a mission with his wife in the Australia Sydney North Mission, where he served as Branch President. He was known for his selfless service to others, although he often had a hard time allowing others to serve him. Toward the end of his life, however, he graciously accepted help from his family and deeply appreciated their support.
Gordon was a family man at his core, and he loved his large posterity with all his heart. He looked forward to the yearly trips to Bear Lake and cherished the many ice cream parties in the yard, where his homemade raspberry ice cream became legendary. He treated his wife, Eileen, like a princess, and their marriage was an inspiration to their children and grandchildren. The grandkids would often say they hoped to have a marriage like that of "Grandma and Grandpa."
Gordon is survived by his dear wife, Eileen Madsen; children, Janet (Daniel) Haskell, Kendall (Karen) Madsen, Kathy (Nader) Mikhail, Karen (Leland) Barker, Tod (Jennette) Madsen, Scott (Nikki) Madsen, and Linda (Jason) O'Driscoll; 37 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren, with 2 more on the way; sister Maureen Johnson; in-laws Norman (Jeannie) Anderson, John (Gerene) Anderson, Julie Heywood, Ralph (Juliann) Anderson, and Carol (Richard) Holbrook.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bruce (Dawna) Madsen, Donnell (Patti) Madsen, sister Gaye Lynne (Phil) Miller, in-laws Norman and Fawn Anderson, and brothers-in-law Mick Johnson and J.C. Heywood.
Gordon's life was a testament to his dedication to service, his love for his family, and his unyielding faith. His memory will live on through the countless lives he touched, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
As we honor and celebrate the life of Gordon Kendall Madsen, we invite friends and family to share their favorite memories and photographs on his memorial page. While he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit and legacy will continue to live on through the stories we share.
Viewings will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the North Ogden 8th Ward building at 1150 East, 2600 North, North
Ogden, Utah. There will also be a viewing on Saturday, July 26th, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Ben Lomond Cemetery.