Obituary for Mr. John Leroy Madison John Madison Sr., surrounded by his family and special friends, went home to his Savior Jesus Christ on July 1, 2018. Born to Roy and Evelyn Madison (Gustafson) on October 30, 1931 in Des Moines, Iowa. John graduated from East High School then went on to receive his electrical engineering degree from Iowa State University.
After earning his degree John enlisted and served honorably in the United States Army. Shortly after his honorable discharge John was hired by Honeywell Corporation in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he worked for over 40 years until his retirement. John married his home town sweetheart, Norma Abrahamsen on October 12, 1959.
John was an active member of Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis for over 50 years. He lived in South Minneapolis until 2013, then moved to Eagan, Minnesota to be closer to his son, daughter-in-law and his four grandchildren. John had a special zest for life and lived each moment to the fullest.
John loved to ski and was a member of the Knob Hill ski group where he continued to ski into his 80’s. John also loved to play cards, whether it was “fox” with his family, bridge with his bridge groups or “500” and cribbage with his close friends. But John’s real passion in life (besides his grandchildren) was walleye fishing.
He loved his outings to Lake Kabetogama and Rainy Lake where he, as a boy spent many summers. He passed the love of this area and passion for fishing onto his infant son, then later to his daughter-in-law and grandchildren. In John’s later years he was able to spend even more time with his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren (whom he had day cared along with Norma).
The family spent many wonderful summers up north at his cabin on Woman Lake. Although he loved his cabin, he made several fishing trips a year back to where he found so much joy as a child, Lake Kabetogama, Rainy Lake and Kettle Falls. John loved watching his granddaughters play volleyball and this sport often took him to Omaha, Denver and Florida.
John enjoyed many family cruises to the Caribbean, his daughter-in-law would tell people, “We don’t leave home without him”. The love, guidance and patience he showed is something his family will treasure always. John also found great enjoyment in the many friends he made at his apartment complex in Eagan.
John especially loved to spend time with his special friend and loved one, Beverly Torgenson. John could be found having coffee on Thursday mornings in the gathering space or in the evenings with Beverly and their card group. John is preceded in death by his father Leroy Madison, mother Evelyn Madison (Gustafson) and his wife of 46 years Norma Madison (Abrahamsen).
He is survived by his beloved son and daughter-in-law John Jr. and Roxanne, his grandchildren Kristina, Jeffrey, Kelly and Kaylyn Madison whom he shared a very special bond with and loved with all his heart. He also leaves behind his special and beloved friend, Beverly Torgenson. He also will be greatly missed by his extended family, all of them referring to him as just “Poppy”, and the many “Ioweagian” nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at Washburn and McReavy, 1838 E. Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, MN. Chapel Service will be on Monday, July 9, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with a reviewal starting at 10 a.m., also at Washburn and McReavy. Interment and a short graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at 1 p.m. John will be laid to rest next to his loving wife, mother and father at Highland Memory Gardens, 1 N.E., 60th Avenue, Des Moines, IA.
May you find everlasting salvation and peace in the loving arms of our savior Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16 Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 JUL 8. 04:00 PM – 07:00 PM Nokomis Park Chapel 1838 E. Minnehaha Parkway Minneapolis, MN, US, 55407 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before John’s Visitation begins.
Visitation 2018 JUL 9. 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Nokomis Park Chapel 1838 E. Minnehaha Parkway Minneapolis, MN, US, 55407 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before John’s Visitation begins. Chapel 2018 JUL 9.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Nokomis Park Chapel 1838 E. Minnehaha Parkway Minneapolis, MN, US, 55407 Order Flowers for the Chapel Service Guaranteed delivery before John’s Chapel Service begins.
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