Andrew Martin Madson

Andrew Martin Madson was born on October 12, 1934 to Rev. Norman A. and Elsie (Haakenson) Madson of rural Princeton, Minnesota. He was baptized into the Christian faith on November 4, 1934 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Baptismal sponsors included Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Odegard, Mr. Martin Galstad, and his oldest sister, Vivian. His childhood was spent living in the parsonage next door, and attending the Lutheran elementary school one mile from the church. He was the youngest of the seven Madson children. His faith was edified daily through family devotions and memorizing hymns.

When Andy was 12 years old, the family moved to Mankato, Minnesota when his father took the position as Dean of the newly established Bethany Seminary. He attended Mt. Olive Lutheran School for sixth, seventh and eighth grades, and was confirmed in his Christian faith under Rev. C. M. Gullerud at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in 1949. Andy graduated Bethany Lutheran High School in 1953, and Bethany Lutheran Jr. College in 1955. He then attended Mankato State Teachers’ College, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science, along with minors in Physical Education and Political Science. A few years later he received a Master’s degree from MSTC in Business Education. Having been drafted into the US Army, his final years of education were interrupted by military duty. He was stationed at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina. Andy served in the Army Reserves for 6 years.

On August 2, 1959 he was married to Margaret Schmidt of New Ulm, MN at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where her father, Rev. Walter Schmidt served as pastor. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Amy in 1960 and Douglas one year later.

Andy’s first call was to teach at the newly established Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton, WI, where he remained for four years. The family then moved to the Milwaukee area where he taught at Wisconsin Lutheran High School for a ten-year period in the areas of Business, Bookkeeping, as well as Physical Education. Andy later served as an administrator of the Wisconsin Synod Child and Family Service for three years. He finished out his teaching career at Milwaukee Area Technical College. His wife, Margaret, taught at St. John’s Lutheran School for 35 years, retiring in 2000. Andy frequently served as treasurer of the congregation, and also on various church boards and committees.

Andy and Margaret were deeply saddened by the discovery of a devastating illness to their daughter, Amy, in July of 1981. This disease took her life at age 42. During such dark times the light of God’s grace in Christ, and the sure hope of heaven which He has provided His faithful grew even brighter. 

Andy and Margaret moved to North Mankato in 2006. In retirement they were active members at Peace Lutheran Church, and later St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. They enjoyed time at their lake home on Lower Hay Lake north of Brainerd, MN. Andy always found enjoyment in fishing and various sports. (He would often accompany Margaret in a row boat while she would swim across the lake.) He and Margaret remodeled numerous homes together, and enjoyed hosting gatherings of friends and relatives at their home. Margaret was called to her eternal home on July 28, 2022.

As Andy battled cancer in the final weeks of his life he was visited by pastors and family members who ministered to him with devotions and the Lord’s Supper. He passed away at home on Thursday, September 7, 2023 surrounded by members of his family and his very dear friend, LaDonna Rodewald. He is survived by his son, Douglas Madson of Treasure Island, Florida, along with numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

“Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints.” – Psalm 116:15

Funeral service will be held at 11am, Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church in North Mankato. Visitation will begin at 9:30am. Graveside service will be held at 11am, Monday, September 18, 2023 at the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Watertown, WI. To watch the service via livestream, please visit https://peacemankato.com/video/live-streaming

Memorials are preferred to either Bethany Lutheran College (www.blc.edu/donate) or Minnesota Valley Lutheran School (45638 561st Avenue, New Ulm, MN 56073 or online at www.mvl.org)