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Donald Madsen Obituary
He was born Sept. 28, 1937, to Rudolph C. and Hilda (Oleson) Madsen, the second youngest of eight children.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably until his discharge. He was a devoted member of the McHenry County law enforcement community, having served as a patrol deputy with the McHenry County Sheriff's Department. In 1965 he was shot by an armed gunman and critically wounded while in the line of duty. He also served faithfully as dispatcher for the Woodstock Police Department. He was known as a devoted family man and was considered the patriarch and steadying force of his immediate and extended family.
He is survived by a sister, Genevieve Lucich of Woodstock; a sister-in-law, Sharon Madsen of Woodstock; and 18 special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Delbert (Betty) Madsen, Robert (Clara) Madsen and Jerry Madsen; and three sisters, Luella Grady, Marilyn Madsen and Katherine (Richard) Collins.
The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock. The visitation will continue from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1320 Dean St., Woodstock. The Rev. Thomas E. Rogers will preside. Burial with military honors will be provided by VFW Post 5040 in McHenry County Memorial Park in Woodstock.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church.
For information, call the funeral home at 815-338-1710.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Madsen
January 24, 2011
Don was always there when you needed him. I had they great honor of working with Don while he was on the WPD. He was always Mr. Royko to those of us who used to read his letters to the editor. He will sorely be missed by those who knew him and loved him . My deepest condolences to his family . You have truly lost a great man/ -- Ted Pierce
Marshalynn & John Meehan
January 12, 2011
OMG Don (and his family) we didn't even know you were sick. We do not get the paper so did not know until now as I was checking the Obits online. I cannot believe you are gone. You were such a good neighbor and we thank you for that. You not only will be missed by your neighbors but our dogs. I thought you were still giving them milkbone dog biscuits because they always go to the fence and look for you. I am so sorry we didn't know of your sickness. You were the best neighbor anyone could ask for. God speed. You will be greatly missed.
Our deepest sympathy's to you family.
Donna Lohmeyer-Jensen
January 12, 2011
Don you will be missed.
A friend and a next door neighbor, Don would always watch out for our neighborhood and for my kids and I.
Don you were our “neighborhood watch".
Thanks for all the help Don, if I couldn"t get the snow blower started or mower going, along Don would come over to help.
For his family he will be missed by so many people.
He was a caretaker to many people in his own family also.
I will miss you Don.
De Fringer
January 12, 2011
Don was the caretaker of us all. he had the biggest heart and was ever so humble. my thoughts and prayers to the family.
Richard Vance
January 11, 2011
My deepest sympathy's to all who were touched by Don's kindness and humor. I know you will miss him as well as I. It was a joy to have known him for so many years. We had many laughs together on the job and off. He was a good friend and a good man.
Nona Knuth Ring
January 11, 2011
We are all fortunate to have been touched by Don's kindness and gentle nature. His work on the 45th and 50th reunion made wonderful memories for our class of '55. His dedication to his faith and family was an inspiration.
January 11, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Don's family and his many friends. Don was a great individual, wonderful fellow co-worker and will be missed by us all.
Herb Pitzman
Bob Hrodey
January 11, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Don was both a friend and mentor to me - as was his brother, Bob. Don's sense of humor was omnipresent in the best and worst of times. God bless him for all that he went through and all that he was. He will be missed.
Leilani Henning
January 10, 2011
Don will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Family was so important to him. He headed up the 50th class reunion committee and brought his former classmates together again. It was so much fun, we owe him much for all the fun we had. Jerry and Loni Henning
Jack Bechaud - Family Service Counselor- McHenry County Memorial Park
January 10, 2011
God Bless you all during this time of need -
Jack Bechaud - Family Service Counselor, McHenry County Memorial Park
January 10, 2011
God Bless you all during this time of need
John Eppley
January 9, 2011
Saw him, a week before he died. Went there with the intent to make him laugh,and perhaps cheer him up....I left nearly peeing my pants in laughter !....He's the only cop, that shared my dark humor. I will miss him for the remainder of my life. ......Deputy John Eppley RET..MCSP
Dick Volz
January 9, 2011
Don was a classmate who kept in touch with as many of us as he could, often sending personal notes or extracts from local activities in which he thought we might be interested. He was a good friend would be sorely missed.
William Brucher
January 9, 2011
"Don" A Good Man
A Good Friend
An Someone We Will Miss
John Jasper
January 9, 2011
Donald, we will miss you my friend.
Joel T. Madsen & Family
January 9, 2011
The world has lost another amazing person to cancer... (Uncle) Donald Madsen, rest in peace. Thanks for always looking out for dad when you were young, being a pillar for the family, and more importantly, the great memories.
January 9, 2011
Don was a classmate and special friend with ties that outlasted our high school graduation. During the planning of class reunions, I rediscovered Don's kindness, devotion to friends and family, and warm sense of humor.
All who knew him will miss him.
-Kathy Miller Roush
January 9, 2011
My sincere sympathy on your loss. Yours is a very special family.
Mary Jane Ward Navota
Dennis & Mary Macaluso
January 9, 2011
Our most sincere sympathy to you all, remember all the wonderful times you spent with your Uncle Donald. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed.
Tami Pawlik
January 9, 2011
Good Bye My Friend....
Georgia Townsend Brough
January 8, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home1211 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098
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