Gene Madson
January 17, 1934 ~ January 4, 2021
Arnold Gene Madson, 86, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. He was born January 17, 1934, in Fort Dodge to Arnold Gotfred Madson and Helen Elvira Nordin, younger brother to Blanche Rogers. Known as Gene, and sometimes Genial Gene, he had a habit of handing out Tootsie Rolls to both friends and strangers.
Gene was baptized and confirmed at First Covenant Church in Fort Dodge on April 27, 1934, and February 29, 1948, respectively. In 1952, he graduated high school from Pillsbury Military Academy in Owatonna, Minnesota. He joined the military right out of high school and served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956, during the Korean War. Gene was stationed at Ladd Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska, and always fondly remembered his time there.
Soon after that, he graduated from Dunwoody Technical School in Minneapolis with a two-year degree in welding. Gene was working at an auto body shop in Fort Dodge when he met his wife, Ruth Maxine n��e Severson, who was then a registered nurse at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Dodge. They married in Ames on June 10, 1961, and bought a house in Fort Dodge. Daughters, Linda Kay and Laura soon joined the family.
Gene worked for Klein Manufacturing from 1967 to 1978. From 1980 until his retirement in 1996, he worked in Central Supply and Receiving at Fort Dodge Community School District.
Gene and Ruth lived in Fort Dodge for 53 years before moving to Cedar Rapids in 2014 to be closer to daughter, Linda. There, he lived in an apartment at the Meth-Wick Community.
Gene was a member of the Golden Kiwanis and a 50-year member of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Dodge, where he served as an elder, deacon, and trustee.
He was an avid hunter all his life and spent many happy hours hunting in Alaska and in the Brushy Creek Valley in Webster County. Gene also enjoyed woodworking and could fix almost anything.
Gene is survived by his daughters, Linda Kay and Laura; sons-in-law, Mark and Keith; and grandchildren, Molly, Ben, Ian and Erik.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
His family is grateful his final days were quiet and comfortable thanks to Hospice of Mercy and the staff of the Stuart Neighborhood at the Woodlands.
A graveside burial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2021, at Cambridge Cemetery in Story County, Iowa, officiated by the Rev. Sara C.R. Hill. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the organ fund at First Presbyterian Church, 1111 Fifth Ave. N. in Fort Dodge, or the Meth-Wick Community landscape restoration fund.
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I remember when Chris and I would spend many days with Aunt Ruth and Uncle Gene. Uncle Gene would take Chris and I out in the car to hunt for Squab. We thought he made this up because he served it with “Green Grackle Salad”!
The only time I’ve ever ridden on the back of a motorcycle was with Uncle Gene! Visiting their house was the most delicious of treats and always felt so special. He was one of a kind, and will be so very missed.
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family, and to everyone that knew and loved Gene. We are sorry for your loss.
I first met Gene while serving on the City Council. He was an enthusiastic community member that wanted the best for the city. He was very good at sharing his views but was also interested in looking at other views. He was always the gentleman. He and Linda were a very special couple that I was so lucky to have met. Sharon Hickey
Girls I’m sorry to hear that Gene passed away. I just read it in the messenger. I sure enjoyed him and his sense of humor. We had a lot of conversations and I always left with a smile on my face. He had an opinion on every situation and it was well thought out. He was a wise man. I’m sure you guys will miss him. Take care
Always enjoyed seeing Gene when he came into the office. We affectionately called him the tootsie roll man! He was always very kind. So sorry for your loss. He will be missed!
Sorry to learn of Gene’s passing. I remember him when he worked for the Fort Dodge School system where I was a teacher. He was very bright, always had a big smile and an opinion on almost everything! Enjoyed working with his brilliant and talented daughters on our musicals. His was a life well lived and he should rest in peace. Larry Mitchell Choral Director Fort Dodge Sr. High – 1966-1997
I am so sorry for your loss. My family and i senf our condolences. My family remembers visiting with the family as rhey were growing up and ir was always a special time. I remember bding introducws to Gene by Linda and also being at their wedding. Gene always had a smile and a kind word. I also remember the day I visited thema nd they were preparing to move to Cedar Rapids. Gene said he would miss everybody in Fort Dodge but it was probably for the best that they would be close to family. He will be greatly missed because he was such a great man. Willie ( is what he knew me by) Iona (Iynch) Ames.
We are sorry for your loss and extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Gene – from the pharmacy staff at the Hy-Vee grocery store on Johnson Ave.
May Gene rest in peace. I remember Gene’s good sense of humor and how I could always count on him to help me get what I needed for Chemistry. He always put the needs of teachers and students first.