Paul D. Madsen

July 18, 1958 – January 24, 2024

Paul David Madsen was born in Frederic, WI, on July 18, 1958, son of Lester and Coral (Barnish) Madsen. He was the middle child of three. He attended Luck Public Schools, where he graduated from high school in 1976. His mother died of cancer during his high school years. He went on to attend Dana College in Blair, NE, where he received his Bachelor of Science in elementary education. It was there where he met Lisa, his wife of 38 years. They were married in Blair in 1982. To this union their 3 children were born, Laura, Dane and Jacob.

After graduation from college Paul began his career as a youth minister first in Grand Island, NE, and then Mason City, IA. He went on to employment recruiting for many years and loved making connections with people and helping them fulfill their vocational dreams. He authored 5 books. In later years he worked for the Gretna Public Schools, and most recently was excited to be driving a school bus and being a Para-Educator. His dreams for retirement were becoming a tour bus driver to travel the country and meet more people.

He had a passion for the outdoors and spent his college summers as a camp counsellor at Sky Ranch, CO. Bicycling, camping and traveling were things he immensely enjoyed. He loved talking with people of all ages and learning new things. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, loud laugh and true gift for caregiving.

Paul passed away suddenly of a heart attack on January 24, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Coral; step-mother, Elaine; wife, Lisa; and daughter, Laura.

Left to cherish his memory are sons, Dane and Jacob Madsen; brother, Philip (Diane) Madsen; sister, Barb (Dave) Kreye; brothers-in-law, Alan (Mary) Hanson, Duane (Shirley) Hanson; cousins; several nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

VISITATION: Thursday, February 1st from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the West Center Chapel.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, February 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at Rejoice Lutheran Church, 2556 S. 138th St. In lieu of flowers, Memorials are suggested to Endless Journey Hospice and Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials are suggested to Endless Journey Hospice or Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries.

Heafey Hoffman Dworak Cutler Funeral Home in service to the family.

~~~obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

FindaGrave # 276413568