Born January 8, 1932 in Peoria to Harvey William and Anna June (Willis) Delaney, she married Donald Nels Rasmussen on February 24, 1952 in Peoria. He died November 22, 2008 in Peoria. She also was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Scott William Rasmussen.
Surviving are one daughter, Susan (Philip Wiggers) Rasmussen of Peoria; two grandchildren, Jennifer Mullens and Jason Rasmussen of Pekin; one brother, William (Sandra) Delaney of Tampa, Florida; one niece, Karen Sue (Pete) Randall and one nephew, David William (Jenny) Delaney.
She was a 1950 graduate of Woodruff High School in Peoria.
Madelyn worked in education for many years as a secretary for Peoria Public Schools District 150 from 1965 to 1969 then for Pekin Community High School District 303 as a registrar at East Campus from 1972 to 1980 and then from 1982 to 1992 at District 150 as a secretary/registrar in their counseling office for Bill England. She also co-owned with her husband several upscale cocktail lounges in Peoria for many years including Champs Downtown, Champs West and Champs Metro Center and the Dome Tap.
Madelyn loved cooking for her family and enjoyed playing Bridge with her dear friends. She also liked to garden and was an avid reader for many years. Cody, her shih tzu was a bright spot in her life.
She was of the Catholic faith.
Her celebration of life gathering will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2026 at Mt. Hawley Country Club in Peoria. A memorial service will then be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2026 at Springdale Cemetery in the mausoleum where inurnment will be with her husband. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com
