Orrin T. Madson, 86, of Redwood Falls died Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2013 from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Crestlawn Gardens, rural Redwood Falls. Visitation will be held Friday, November 1, 2013, from 4 until 7 p.m., at Nelson-Martin Funeral Home in Redwood Falls and will continue on Saturday at the church for one hour prior to services.
Arrangements are with Nelson-Martin Funeral Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via
www.nelsonmartinfuneralservice.com
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Orrin Truman Madson, the son of Ingolf and Thea (Erlandson) Madson, was born June 6, 1927 in Fergus Falls. He grew up near the small town of Dalton and received his elementary education there. Orrin attended high school at the Crookston Agricultural College, graduating in 1945. Following high school Orrin enlisted in the United States Navy. He was assigned to a personnel boat on the USS St. George which was primarily patrolling off the Japanese coast. Orrin was then transferred to the USS Floyds Bay, stationed in China, where he served as a cook apprentice. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Orrin caught a train to Minneapolis and from there hitchhiked home to Dalton. He then enrolled at North Dakota Agricultural College (later named North Dakota State University) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics in June 1950. Orrin was hired by the Federal Bureau of Reclamation and worked in Huron, South Dakota.
On September 21, 1952, Orrin married Lois Cowie at First Baptist Church in Huron. Shortly after their marriage Orrin began his employment with the Federal Land Bank which prompted moves to LaMoure, North Dakota and then to Morris, Minnesota. In 1960, they moved to Redwood Falls. Shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor and underwent surgery and rehab. Orrin retired from the Federal Land Bank in 1962 and then began his employment with MBC farm supply, working in accounting and sales until he was in his 70s.
Orrin was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. He was also an active member of the American Legion for over 65 years. As a legionnaire, Orrin served as Post Commander for two years and Adjutant for three years. He was the post’s historian for many years and also served as a member of the color guard. Orrin was named Legionnaire of the Year in 2010. Orrin was a life member of the V.F.W. and belonged to the Toastmaster’s and the Lions Club. Orrin was very active as a Boy Scout Leader. He enjoyed woodworking in his basement shop and refinishing furniture – including several beautiful china cabinets. Orrin enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an ice cream connoisseur who enjoyed a bowlful nightly and found all flavors to be equally good. Orrin was an extremely tough cribbage opponent, particularly during games played at family gatherings.
He is survived by his daughter Carolyn (Randy) Newman of New Ulm; sons Les Madson of Denver, Colorado, and Steve Madson of Oahu, Hawaii; grandchildren Michelle (Wayne) Owens of New Ulm, Mike (Rachael) of Champlin, Mark (Erica) Newman of New Ulm, and Ryan Madson of Phoenix, Arizona; great-grandchildren Olivia, Sydney, Hayden, Avery, Carter, Hunter, Mea, and Willow; brother Wes (Inez) Madson of New Prague; sister Nellda (Floyd) Lehne of Richville; sister-in-law Pat Madson of Florida; and a number of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Orrin was preceded in death by his wife Lois Madson in May 2013; his parents; brother LeRoy Madson; and brother and sister-in-law Milt and Dorothy Madson.
Blessed be his memory.