In Memory of Richard Madsen

Richard Madsen, age 72, of Sioux City, Iowa, and formerly of Battle Creek, Iowa, died Friday, January 11, 2013, at Touchstone Living Center in Sioux City.

            Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Kevin Freese will officiate, with burial to follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Battle Creek.  Military graveside honors will be conducted by Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion.  The family will greet friends one hour prior to services at the church.  

            Richard Madsen was born January 8, 1941, in Woodbury County, Iowa, Richard John Madsen was the son of Rudolph and Florence Carolyn (Miller) Madsen.  He grew up in the Battle Creek area, graduated from Battle Creek High School, then earned his BA degree at the University of South Dakota.  Richard married Joyce Jordan in 1965. 

            Richard served in the military for twenty years where he retired as a Major in the U.S. Army.  He served in Vietnam, Korea, Alaska, Germany, and other state side areas, and was awarded the Bronze Star, First through Fourth Oak Leaf Clusters, and Meritorious Service Medal.  He returned to Battle Creek where he farmed and worked for Ida County Emergency Management for 12 years. Joyce died in 1993.

            On September 14, 1996, Richard was united in marriage to Ellen Breyfogle at the First Prebyterian Church in Battle Creek.  They moved to Sioux City in 1999, where Richard worked for the IDALS as Environmental Specialist coordinator of the Loess Hills Urban Water Quality project.  He retired in 2004, but continued to volunteer, writing grants in areas of conservation.   

            An active member of the community, Richard enjoyed memberships in the First Presbyterian Church, Lions Club, American Legion, and Kiwanis Club of Ida Grove.  His hobbies included reading and gardening.  He also loved his grandchildren and volunteering for the Red Cross.  

            Survivors include his wife, Ellen; three children, Deb (George) Flores of Lawton, OK, Brian Breyfogle, and Teresa Mohwinkle and special friend, Jessica Fielding, all of Sioux City; three grandchildren, Kristian and Madsen Flores and Gracie Breyfogle; a brother, Darrell (Vickie) Madsen of Shenandoah, IA; and a sister, Janice (Paul) Heyer of Battle Creek, IA.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister; and his first wife, Joyce.

            Memorials in Richard’s name may be directed to the Richard Madsen Conservation Scholarship Fund or OABCIG Scholarship Foundation.