Kristine Zoellner Madsen

Kristine Zoellner Madsen, 64, of Orem, Utah, passed away peacefully at home on Monday September 22, after health complications related to a previous stroke. Kris was born in Takoma Park, Maryland on October 6, 1960 to Marshall H. and Audrey E. Zoellner. She grew up in Greenbelt, Maryland with four siblings. She adored her father "Bud", who was the town's Police and Fire Chief. Her mother, Audrey, converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1956, and guided by its teachings, felt inspired to have additional children including Kris. These family values became an essential part of Kris's deeply rooted faith. Kris first moved to Utah with her Mom at the age of 13, and lived back and forth between Utah and Maryland until the age of 18, when she returned to Provo. In October of 1979, Kris met Rick Madsen and decided in February that they should be married in April. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on April 2, 1980. Rick and Kris had six children over a period of 19 years, were married for over 45 years, and lived almost all of those years in North Orem where they made so many of their lifelong friends. As a stay-at-home mother, Kris pursued new hobbies, such as learning to play guitar and cake decorating. Her cakes were highly anticipated and revered at all family gatherings. She loved celebrations. Birthdays and holidays were always multi-day events with traditional food, decorations, lights, and fireworks whenever possible. They became opportunities to teach her children history, and instill tradition. Kris had a gift for service and was quick to be at the side of anyone in need. She learned American Sign Language and spent time interpreting for the deaf, primarily children. She devoted countless hours to the Orem Public Library, often bringing her children along as she served, spent hours on end making baby blankets for friends and family, and gave of her time, talents and resources to support charitable organizations, especially the local homeless shelter. Within her church, Kris faithfully filled many callings, always striving to keep Christ at the center of her service. Music was one of Kris's greatest gifts. Her beautiful voice and deep love for music inspired her children to sing, dance, and develop their own musical talents. She took immense pride in her three Eagle Scouts and in each of her children's many talents, which were often highlighted on school and community stages. Kris was the glue that kept her siblings in touch, teaching a family first attitude to her kids. She was heavily involved in family history and genealogical research, including several trips back to her childhood home to search out her lineage and ancestral heritage. More than a few times she was instrumental in bringing somewhat estranged extended family back together. Kris is survived by her husband of 45 years, Rick Madsen; her daughters, Amber Barley (Adam), Jesse Hansen (Jared), and Nicole Ballantyne (Merrill); her sons, Jason Madsen (Teresa), Marshall Madsen, and Parker Madsen (Bre); and her nine cherished grandchildren, Jacob Bryan (Tatumn), Linley and Christopher Hansen, Morgan and Casey Parry, Marriner and Marion Ballantyne, and Xander Barley. Kris is also survived by her sister, Patricia Lackey (Mike), and her brothers, Carl Zoellner (Laura), Kurt Zoellner (Karlene), and many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Audrey Zoellner, and her older brother Scott Zoellner. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the church building located at 450 E 2000 N in Orem, with a viewing beforehand at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery. A live broadcast of the services will be available here: https://www.youtube.com/live/WQlNzAq7xzM?si=QKbO6yVCXgqmiVSa Flowers may be provided through Wright Flower Company, Springville, UT. https://wrightflowercompany.com In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Utah County Food and Care Coalition here: https://foodandcare.org Kris had an especially infectious laugh and smile, endearing her to all who knew her and even to those who only caught a glimpse-or a sound-of her joy. We will always cherish our memories of laughing hysterically with Krissy.