Lyle "Mike" Madsen

Lyle V. "Mike" Madsen was born in Rutland, Iowa Oct. 25, 1930. He was the second to youngest of nine children born to Dagny Marie (Jensen) and Nels Marius Madsen. Lyle graduated from Rutland High School in 1948 and enlisted in the US Air Force in September of 1948 for 3 years. While in Japan, the Korean War broke out and his tour of duty was extended for one year. After his discharge in 1952, he attended college and received both his Bachelor and Master degrees from Mankato State University. He also did post graduate work at the University of Minnesota. He married Yvonne (Chris) Christensen in New Ulm in 1954. After earning his Bachelor degree in 1956, he and his wife took teaching positions in Omaha, Nebraska. They remained there for nine years before returning to Minnesota where Mr. Madsen accepted a position teaching English and Mythology at Rochester Community College. He retired in 1992. Since his retirement, he remained active in the community. Mike was a life member of the American Legion Post 92 where he served as adjutant and also three terms on the executive board, numerous committees, and seventeen years on the Honor Guard. As a member of Voiture 327 of the 40 & 8, he held many offices and for many years represented the 40 & 8 in presenting nurses scholarships at the community college. He was a co-founder of the Korean War Veterans Club and a life member of VFW post 1215. He was also a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Mike had many other interests. He enjoyed traveling and was proud that he and his wife had visited all fifty states and over 25 foreign countries. He was an avid reader and enjoyed golfing, dancing, and watching sports. He was a faithful fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the New York Yankees from his boyhood until the day he died. Foremost, Lyle enjoyed time spent with friends, neighbors, and, especially, his family. Survivors include his wife of sixty-six years, Yvonne "Chris" Madsen; son, Greg Madsen and ex-daughter-in-law, Wendy Madsen; step-granddaughter, Collen (Mike) Green and great-granddaughters Brianna and Natalie; daughter, Mara Madsen Smith; son-in-law, Christopher Smith; and grandsons, Dylan and Cameron Smith; son, Mitchell Madsen, Amanda Hau and her children. Lyle also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters, and 4 brothers. Memorials may be made to the Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) Scholarship Fund, American Legion Post 92, or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston. Due to Covid-19, masks and social distancing will be required for all services. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Madsen family; to leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com