Lawrence (Larry) G. Madsen

Lawrence (Larry) George Madsen, 93, passed away on October 20, 2021, at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, WI surrounded by his family. 

Larry was born July 16, 1928, in Phelps, WI to Bernita and Meade Madsen. He graduated from Phelps High School and went on to study industrial education earning both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at Stout State University (UW Stout). He began his teaching career at Niagara High School in 1957. He then moved to Green Bay in 1959 and taught at Franklin Middle School, Lombardi Middle School, and Southwest High School. He taught many students in his 36 years and retired from teaching in 1993.  He kept in touch with many former students, and in the years following his retirement, if anyone needed auto repairs, he always knew a former student who worked in or ran an auto shop around the area who could help out. 

Larry was a Korean War Veteran, serving as a Staff Sergeant in the Army following his graduation from college in 1951. 

Larry married Bonnie Bush in 1960 in Niagara, WI. They settled in Green Bay where they raised their five children. Larry was an active member of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, church council member, usher, and a member of numerous church committees. He always looked forward to his time with the Men of Bethel Group for breakfast, bible study, and fellowship. 

Larry with his father Meade built their summer home on South Twin Lake in Phelps, WI in 1967. Being a schoolteacher allowed for summers to be spent at the cottage. The end of the school year meant loading the family up into the station wagon and heading north for the summer. Larry was always busy every summer working various “handyman” jobs, boating and skiing with his family, fishing with his kids and grandkids, picking blueberries and raspberries, and enjoying the beauty of the Northwoods. His memory will live on in the gift of the cottage which will always be a special place full of wonderful memories for his family. 

Larry will be sadly missed by his family and friends. If his children ever needed help with home or car repairs, they called Dad who always came to help with his tools and knowledge. His children are grateful for the many skills they were taught and that he was always there when they needed help. He was never one to sit still. He was always busy either building or fixing something, or talking with family and friends, often sharing stories of growing up in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. 

Larry was preceded in death by his son Eric and his parents. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Bonnie; children Lori (Matthew) Knable (Green Bay), Scott Madsen (De Pere), Todd (Sharon) Madsen (De Pere) and Amy (Edward) Lee (Appleton); grandchildren Lacey (Ben) Mubanga, Cade Madsen, Meg Madsen, Hannah Lee and Elissa Lee; brother Herb (Helen) Madsen (Batavia IL), and sister Lenore Alban (West Melbourne, FL). 

A private family service will be held on Thursday October 28, 2021, at Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Kim Swenson officiating. Burial will be in Nicolet Memorial Gardens.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting www.lyndahl.com

Lyndahl Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Green Bay is assisting the family with arrangements.

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