Phyllis Verdelle (Hansen) Madsen passed away on July 11, 2022, in Centennial, Colorado, at the age of 89. She was born on November 27, 1932, to Thorvald and Marie (Nelsen) Hansen on a rural farm outside Ringsted, Iowa. She was baptized, confirmed and married in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ringsted.
Educated in Emmet County schools, including years in a one-room schoolhouse, she graduated from Ringsted High School at 16, attended Estherville Junior College, and began teaching at 18. She later completed her BA at Northwestern College.
Phyllis was married to Milton H Madsen, also from Ringsted, on June 15, 1952. They lived in the Iowa Lakes Region for much of the last 70 years interspersed with interludes in Colorado. Phyllis had many careers, but her favorite was her years of school teaching 4th and 6th grade classes in Spirit Lake. Phyllis and Milton joyfully opened their home to countless visitors to the Lakes and Colorado over the years. They loved life together, laughed often, traveled frequently, and enjoyed being active in their church and community.
She is survived by her two children, James (Rachel) Madsen of Maine and Jane (Les) Streeb of Colorado, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Milton, and her brother, Duwayne Hansen.
A memorial service is planned at United Lutheran Church in Ringsted on September 15. Phyllis will be buried beside Milton in Lakeview Cemetery in Spirit Lake.