Robert T. Madsen

Robert Trygve Madsen passed away peacefully at home at the age of 102 on January 2, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Maryellen Reed Madsen, and his children, Peter Madsen (Linda), John Madsen (Lydia), Elizabeth Raschke (Mark) and Roberta Reents (Dan), along with 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Robert (Bob) was born on May 25, 1922, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Ruth Helena Kline Madsen and Trygve (Ted) Madsen. Two years later, Ruth and Ted gave birth to another son, John Kline Madsen. The family lived in the Twin Cities area until 1933 when his father lost his job due to the Great Depression. As a result, the family moved to Grandpa Kline’s farm in Dassel, MN while Ted traveled looking for work. Bob and John grew up helping on the farm while enjoying hunting and fishing. Bob also played basketball and graduated from Dassel High School in 1940. He enrolled in the University of Minnesota in the fall to study business.

Life changed drastically in 1941 when Pearl Harbor was bombed. By the spring of 1943, Robert was drafted into military service, and volunteered for the newly formed airborne paratroopers of the Army. He was assigned to the 460th Airborne Field Artillery Battalion. He earned 5 battle stars during his service in Europe including Italy, France, Belgium and Germany. He was discharged from the Army at Fort Snelling, MN, on November 6,1945.

In January 1946, Bob re-enrolled in the University of Minnesota to complete a Bachelor degree in Business Administration. During this year, Bob was dating Joyce Toren. After graduation in December of ‘46, Bob was hired by Shell Oil Company. He and Joyce became engaged and then married in September, 1947. After complications from appendicitis, Joyce died suddenly in June, 1948.

Four years later, while Bob was visiting a friend in the hospital, he met a lovely young RN, named Maryellen Reed. Their first date at a Minneapolis Lakers basketball game began the courtship that led to marriage on August 23,1952. Soon after, they started their family. Bob’s work with Shell Oil moved them to four different states over his 35-year career. Bob retired from Shell in 1981 with a “golden handshake”.

Life was always busy with their growing family. School, sports, community and church activities were all very important. Throughout the years, Bob helped grow many Lutheran congregations through his service as congregational treasurer, vice president, president, building and organ committees, evangelism, and adult choir. He was proud to serve and worship at Kinsmen Lutheran Church in Houston for 44 years. When Bob and Maryellen moved to Lakeway, Texas, in 2018, it was not long before he initiated a monthly in-house worship and prayer service at Lake Travis Independent Living. Through the years, Bob was also active with numerous community projects and non-profits, such as Upbring.

Bob and Maryellen always enjoyed sporting activities together, including golf, tennis, fishing and baseball (Go Astros!). They traveled throughout the United States, covering all except Rhode Island. They also enjoyed international travel, visiting 54 countries. Their favorite trips were to New Zealand and South Africa.

Throughout his life, as a child of the Depression, a soldier during World War II, a loyal employee of Shell Oil, a servant of the church and community, and leader of a beautiful, growing family, Robert Madsen lived life fully, honorably, and tirelessly. Our memories of him will always live on in our hearts and minds.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the following:

• Spirit in the Hills Lutheran Church, Spicewood, TX

• Kinsmen Lutheran Church (Endowment Fund), Houston, TX

• Upbring (formerly Lutheran Social Services of the South)

• Charity of choice

A Celebration of Life will be held on: Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM

Dripping Springs Methodist Church

28900 Ranch Rd 12

Dripping Springs, TX 78620

A Reception with light lunch will be served immediately after the service.