Grace Geneva Madsen

Grace Geneva (Halvorson) Madsen was born October 13, 1928, in Bottineau ND to parents Andrew Halvorson and Anna Berg Halvorson. She had 2 brothers (Kenneth and Eldon), and 3 half siblings (Thelma, Howard, and Leona). Grace passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, at age 97.

When asked where she was born, Grace replied “at home, on the farm”. It’s true and she lived on their family farm until she was 14. Her Dad sold the farm, and they migrated to LaGrande Oregon in 1942. Because of gas rations, they stopped along the way to work and to attend school in Ellensburg, WA. When they arrived in LaGrande, they purchased a small farm and Grace attended LaGrande High School. She graduated in 1946. While working at West Coast Telephone Co. a dear friend, Linea (Smutz) Bailey, and Grace’s parents encouraged her to attend Eastern Oregon State College. Grace followed their encouragement and graduated with an associate’s degree in Secretarial Science from Eastern Oregon State College in 1948. After graduating Grace worked in the Registrar’s office until 1950 when she was blessed to marry her kindred spirit and best friend, Robert Madsen, who was also from LaGrande. One of her favorite quotes was, “Marry someone who you like to hang out with, has a good and giving heart to all (even when no one is watching), and treats you and others with respect...always."

After Grace and Bob got married, they spent several years moving around Oregon to various State of Oregon Forestry Department assignments for Bob’s work. Grace also worked for 6 seasons for the Oregon Forestry Department as a seasonal forest fire dispatcher for the Central Oregon District. She often fed the crew boys who were stationed at the same location. Chocolate cake was their favorite. Grace and Bob also enjoyed teaching them how to play cards and one day played until early morning hours, passing babies from lap to lap as the games progressed.

As they journeyed through the state, they had 6 children, all within a span of 11 years. Five girls and one boy. As their children grew and married, Grace added 6 spouses, 16 grandchildren, several grand spouses and 25 great grandchildren. When everyone was present for a celebration the count approached 65. What a beautiful family story to live during her lifetime. Her family is blessed with deep faith in God, kindness and love for each other so always enjoy a raucous family gathering.

When Grace and Bob retired, they spent several years traveling. They traveled to many different countries throughout the world. Grace’s favorite trip was to Switzerland. When asked why, she said, “because it was so beautiful”. One of her most memorable trips was to Africa to visit Bob’s brother and wife (Richard and Louise) who were missionaries there. They traveled there with Bob’s other brother Alvy and his wife Korrine. Grace and Bob also traveled throughout the United States and Canada. One of their most frequent trips was to Alaska to visit Ellen, Larry and their family (31 trips just to AK). During their retirement they especially loved the retired foresters’ campouts and other forestry events.

Grace loved her family fiercely. She had a calm demeanor full of wisdom and grace. She always had a ready hug, a twinkle in her eye, a witty sense of humor, time to read a story and a lap that could rock any cranky baby to sleep. She offered discipline and support in a quiet reserved way. Rarely did she raise her voice. She was a great listener. Grace was always there, available, and willing to help, but never overstepping or giving her opinion...even when asked. She was a quiet soul with a wonderful sense of humor.

Grace and Bob never missed a high school or college graduation for one of their children, grandchildren and even a couple of great grandchildren. They attended endless sporting events, recitals, grandparent days, and ceremonies. Always there and always honored to be invited

Grace was game for ANYTHING! Skiing, camping, fishing, traveling, exploring, grandkids events, or just hanging out. Her first response was always, "Sure, we'd love to come along!". She was a sly, unconventional pinochle player! Putting out a 1500 hand one card at a time and never leading with trump; just to be onery. She enjoyed teaching family members how to play pinochle and cribbage.

Grace was an expert chocolate chip cookie baker; always making sure there were some in the freezer. Broiled chicken, mashed potatoes, and creamed peas -- made to perfection. She made delicious homemade jam and bread. We enjoyed wonderful times canning peaches, pears, beans and making freezer jam! Passing on these traditions to her kids and grandkids.

Grace left her family a wonderful history of her life that she spent several years writing. It’s such a precious gift to receive and to treasure.

Grace and Bob celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on December 27, 2025. To say that they were married most of their lives is an understatement! They spent more than 75 years getting to know each other, falling more deeply in love, growing closer in their faith, and raising a big, beautiful family!

Grace is cherished Mom, friend, mentor for motherhood, how to be the best grandma/grandpa, and an exquisite example of being a true partner in marriage. We are one blessed family with two wonderful examples of love and family values at the helm. Grace has left quite a legacy, and it is an honor to be a part of this legacy.

We are going to miss Grace in so many ways. We have been so fortunate to have her in our lives and to help us raise our kids and grandkids. What a gift she blessed us with, the never-ending gift of love.

Grace is survived by her best friend and loving husband of more than 75 years, Robert Madsen; their 6 children Ellen (Larry), Eileen (Gary), Steven (Shalline), Andrea (Mike), Nina (Mike), and Carla (Britt). She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 grandchildren.

Her Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2026 at 11:00am, at St Mark Lutheran Church, 790 Marion Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Oregon Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- 9755 SW Barnes Road Portland, OR 97225, Ph: (503) 226-3435, Email: [email protected].

Or donate to Gigi’s Playhouse: Downs Syndrome Achievement Center.