Ronald Allen Madson

Ronald Allen Madson

Ronald Allen Madson, age 77, Niagara, ND, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Ronald Allen Madson was born on December 7, 1934 in Orr, ND, the son of Palmer and Aletta (Gilbertson) Madson. He attended school in Fordville, ND and graduated in 1953.

Ronald was united in marriage to Avis Johnson on October 4, 1954 in Petersburg, ND.

Ronald served in the U. S. Army from October 1954 to October 1956, serving 18 months in Germany. He then moved to West Fargo and took employment at Fargo Tank before moving back to Niagara, ND in 1961 where he farmed until 2008. During his farming career, Ronald labored as a carpenter; worked for Boeing International on the missile sites; drove snow plow for Grand Forks County and worked for Adams Farmers Union Fertilizer Plant. Ronald also worked the beet harvest driving truck.

Ronald was an active member of Elk Valley Lutheran Church, holding several positions on the church board and cemetery board. He was also an active member of the American Legion Rotnem-Abel Post 274 at Fordville, ND, where he held several positions, including Post Commander (also known as "Sarge").

Ronald was a compassionate advocate of volunteerism and an avid supporter of local athletics, often spear-heading post-game appreciation meals for the hometown team, along with numerous other events to support local sports. He participated and led many projects in the church and community. Ronald and Avis were also the host family for a foreign exchange student, which was a tremendous experience for them and for their sponsored daughter Kristin, from Ski, Norway, where they loved traveling to see her.

Ronald loved to watch local sports, dance, watch Twins baseball and travel, but his greatest passion was his family, whom he loved with all his heart. He was considered by many as a kind, loving man that became "wealthy" by giving of himself to others. He loved doing "little things" for people in exchange for a smile. He was a dedicated husband and proud father, grandfather and great grandfather as well as a respected brother, uncle and friend. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Ronald is survived by his loving wife, Avis of 57 years, who patiently cared for Ronald following his fall on Christmas Day, 2008. He is also survived by his children: Allen (Dawn) Madson of Niagara, ND, Debbie (John) Watts of Grand Forks, Susan (Doug) Carlson of Lankin, ND, Terri (Dan) Abbott of Fargo and Jody (Susan) Madson of Grand Forks; as well as 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Additionally, Ronald is survived by sisters: Dorothy Thoe, Fordville, Vivian Behm, Niagara and Geneva Flaaskog, Grafton; brother Gerald (Janet) Madson, Fordville; sister-in-law Sylvia Madson, Fordville; many nieces and nephews; his "adopted" daughter Kristin (Per) Haugland and children Sindre and Maria, Ski, Norway.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Aletta Madson; son Brent Madson; brothers Jimmy and Paul Madson and three brothers-in-law.

FUNERAL SERVICES will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Elk Valley Lutheran Church, rural McCanna, ND, with visitation one hour before services at the church.

INTERMENT: Elk Valley Church Cemetery.

VISITATION: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service and sharing at 7 p.m. Friday, December 16, at Elk Valley Lutheran Church of rural McCanna.

MILITARY HONORS AND FLAG PRESENTATION: Rotnem-Abel Post No. 274, Fordville American Legion.

BAKKE FUNERAL HOME, LARIMORE, ND.

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