Celebration of Life: Irv A. Madsen, 86

Irv A. Madsen, 86, Whitewater, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 02, 2025.

He was born in Askov, MN on May 20, 1938, to Ludvig and Augusta Madsen.

Irv graduated from Amery High School in 1956 and received his Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Whitewater in 1960 and his Master’s Degree from UW-Madison in 1965.  He began his career teaching Business Education at Milton High School and then moved to UW-Whitewater to become the Director of Admissions for 42 years.  During his time at UW-Whitewater he coached Women’s Softball, announced Football games for 50 years and was “the voice of the Warhawks,” as well as announced basketball games.

He married Sandy (Fisher) Madsen at 1st English Lutheran Church in Whitewater on August 6, 1960.

Irv loved golfing, playing tennis, riding his bicycle, playing cards with friends, and sports!  He loved his Wisconsin Teams – the Bucks, Brewers and Badgers, but most of all, he “bled” Purple for his UW-Whitewater Warhawks! 

He is survived by his 3 daughters, Jodi (Jim) Stoppenbach, Terri (Brad) Stallings, Cyndee (Kent) Kelsey, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brother Mel, sisters-in-law Karen Fisher, Pam Fisher, Sandy Madsen, Nancy Madsen, Eleanor Madsen, Barb Madsen, Pat Madsen, Shirley Madsen and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy Madsen, his parents, and 6 other brothers.

The family is so grateful for “Team Irv”!  The excellent care from Nicole Gosh, Jim Mildenstein, Nikki Mildenstein, Allison Seitz and all of the past caregivers (Evie, Jackson, Nellie, Mary Kay, Vicki and Steve) and best friends Marilyn and Jack Albrecht is so very much appreciated!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 1:00-5:00 pm at the Coulthart Pavillion located outside the Perkins Stadium on the UW-Whitewater Campus.

Memorials may be given to 1st English Lutheran Church, UW-Whitewater Athletics or the Madsen Family Scholarship at UW-Whitewater (Select “Madsen Family Endowed Scholarship” from the drop down) or Rainbow Hospice in honor of Irv. We would also like to thank Rainbow Hospice and Nitardy Funeral Home for their assistance and care.

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