Lillian E. Madsen, age 94, of Cambridge died October 24, 2009 at GracePointe Crossing Gables West Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, October 30th at Elim Baptist Church in Isanti. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. A second service will be held at Lake Norden Baptist Church, Lake Norden, South Dakota,with burial in the church cemetery. Another service and interment will be held at Lake Norden Baptist Church with Rev. Warren Vendt officiating at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 31. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Lillian Eleanor Olson Madsen was born October 14, 1915 on a farm near Lake Norden, South Dakota to Emil and Ellen Palm Olson. She married Vernal Madsen, also of Lake Norden on June 18, 1941. As a couple, they loved to entertain, play games, travel the world, and share their faith in Jesus Christ with others. They enjoyed 46 years of life together before his passing in 1986.
After graduating from Lake Norden High School, Lillian received a teaching certificate from Huron (SD) College and later a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She held many teaching positions at various towns in Minnesota and South Dakota. She also worked as a journalist for several different small town newspapers. One of her greatest passions was researching family genealogy. Lillian will most be remembered for her gift of hospitality and bringing people together. As a school superintendent’s wife and active church member, she made it her mission to make everyone feel welcome and special.
Lillian joined her Savior in heaven on October 24, 2009 at the age of 94 years and 10 days. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Vernal, brother, Ernest Olson, two sisters, Helen Koistinin and Irene Pommer.
She will be missed by her children Mary (Don) Nystrom of Isanti, William (Joan) Madsen of Sun City West, AZ, Linda (Lon) Johnson of Pflugervile, TX, Carol (Tim) Anderson of Mora, MN, June (Geff) Cooper of Joshua Tree, CA, and 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
I remember her when I was little girl play with jodo and jeff. I love her and bless her. All families are in prayer and ill always remember her.amen
Dearest Cooper Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this weekend as you remember your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother!
We are so glad that someday we’ll be able to meet Grandma Lil in heaven where she is now safely home.
Roxanne and Elias