February 22, 2023 at 3:10 p.m.
William Madison
William Arthur Madison (“Bill”), 71, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on February 14, 2023 after a long battle with lung disease.
As a child, he was known as “Billy”, “Willy”, or “Wonka”. As an adult most knew him as “Bill”, but his kids called him “Pop” or “Arthur” and he was especially proud of the title of “Grandpa Bill”.
Bill was born in Great Lakes, Illinois, to Ralph and June (Klass) Madison on December 20, 1951. He grew up mostly in Des Moines, IA with his parents and two sisters. He graduated from Herbert Hoover High School 1970 and had participated in football, concert choir, and competitive swimming. He continued his education at Grandview College and University of Northern Iowa. Bill had many talents and careers throughout his life, which include Custodial work with Saint Paul Public Schools and Correctional Officer at Chisago County Jail. He was a caretaker of many in different forms. He was able to retire from the jail in 2016 and loved spending extra time with family or fishing. When his older kids were young, he was a scenic carpenter for Woodbury High School Theater Department which was very special to him. He also loved working on and riding around in his vintage Jeeps with his kids and was the favorite chauffeur for his kids’ activities.
Bill and his beloved wife Barb, were married for 22 years. They loved the life they built and enjoyed every moment together. Bill’s five children, their spouses, and his dozen grandchildren were the light of his life. He taught them how to stand up for themselves, spread kindness to others, own their mistakes and to support each other! His family members were the subjects of his continuous good-hearted jokes, and the devourers of all his delicious food. He had special nicknames for each of his grandchildren that will always be a fond memory for them. Bill loved the outdoors, fishing, and cooking for his family. He also enjoyed animals and had a special place in his heart for dogs. He was extremely generous and would help out others anytime he was able.
His memory will live on in the hearts of all. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and June (Klass) Madison and brother, Ralph A. Madison Jr. He is survived by his loving wife Barb; sisters, Diana Fleischacker and Sherryle Ann Madison; many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and his children, Jeff (Vicki) Madison of Superior, WI; Jennifer (Dan) McDowell of Minneapolis, MN; Beth (Chris) Stemig of Lino Lakes, MN; Dave (Jen) Schmidt of Mora, MN; and Cassie (Ben) Fremstad of Blaine, MN, as well as a full dozen of grandkids who were very special to him: Ben (21), Emma (17), Noah (16), Delaney (12), Bella (9), Liza (9), Liam (9), Sulley (9), Danny (7), Sam (6), Jorie (5), and Madelynn (1); as well as many dear nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, February 21, at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, MN, at 11 a.m., with a visitation beginning at 10 am. A luncheon will follow at Chisago Lakes Grill at the Chisago Lakes Golf Course, also in Lindstrom, MN.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to AccentCare Fairview Hospice in his honor would be appreciated. Donations can be sent to a local AccentCare Fairview hospice branch or made online at JustGiving.com. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grand strandfh.com
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