William Francis Madsen, the youngest son of Hans Christian Andersen Madsen and Elizabeth Cecelia (Conrad) Madsen, was born on July 10, 1925, in Audubon, Iowa. He passed away at the Audubon Co. Memorial Hospital on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Willie was 100 years old and loved life.
Willie was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, Iowa. He attended Hamlin #3, a rural school, through eighth grade, then graduated from Audubon High School with the Class of 1943.
In 1944, Willie enlisted in the Army on March 14. While serving during WWII in Patton’s 3rd Army, Willie was wounded in Nancy, France, on October 8, 1944. Willie had many surgeries to regain the use of his legs. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army on March 13, 1946. His commendations and medals include the Victory Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and a Purple Heart. Willie was a DAV and a Charter Member of Audubon’s VFW Chapter.
On November 13, 1948, Willie was united in marriage to Gertrude Ann Bowman at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, Iowa. Six children were born into this union. Willie and Gert were lifelong residents of Audubon, who celebrated nearly 76 years of marriage in 2024. Gert was his world; navigating the past year had been difficult without her by his side. His faith sustained him throughout his long life. A devoted member of St. Patrick’s Church, Willie served on numerous boards and was a Trustee for 25 years.
Willie was a retired rural mail carrier, working at the Audubon Post Office for 46 years. He loved delivering mail to his customers, and they appreciated his efficient service. Finishing his mail route early allowed him to manage the Audubon Golf and Country Club in the afternoons. His love of golf was his legacy to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Willie was quick to mention that Gert was the better golfer of the two as he taught her the game. Weekly “two-balls” and tournaments with friends gave them much joy and laughter (and time away from their six kids).
Willie is preceded in death by his wife, Gert, and his son, Mark Madsen. Also remembered are his sisters-in-law, Mary Louise (Paul) Jensen and Sally Bowman, and brothers, Ed, Joe, Leo, and sister, Anna Margaret Stanley.
He is survived by his brother-in-law Jim Bowman of Urbandale, IA; his children, John and Pat Madsen of Stuart, NE; Dr. Jim and Amy Madsen of Carroll, IA; Dr. Jill Madsen of Sumter, SC; Julie and Craig Jensen of DeSoto, IA; and Joni Madsen and Bill Fankell of Audubon. Willie and Gert have 14 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and several cousins.
Public visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a Rosary Prayer at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, IA, with Fr. Clement Owusu as the Celebrant. The burial will be held following the Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will be held following the interment at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Hall in Audubon.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon.
