Obituary of Richard Neil Madsen

Richard Neil Madsen, 89, of North Liberty, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 A.M. Burial will take place at West Branch Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church.

Richard was born on June 7, 1935, in Iowa City, to Henry and Ruth (Brooks) Madsen. At a young age, he was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Niels P. and Agnes Madsen, and later by his Uncle Kenny and Aunt Bobby Madsen. He graduated from West Branch High School in 1953 and went on to earn a degree in Agricultural Business from Iowa State University. Richard proudly served his country in the Iowa National Guard.

On March 9, 1958, Richard married the love of his life, June Finley, at the Evangelical Church in Coralville. Together, they built a life filled with family, hard work, and love.

Richard spent many years farming and later transitioned to a career in sales with Pat McGrath Oldsmobile. After retiring, he enjoyed working part-time delivering auto parts for I.W.I., which kept him connected to the automotive industry and the people he loved to chat with.

He was a dedicated member of Bethany Lutheran Church in West Branch. Richard enjoyed playing the harmonica, watching football, admiring old cars, and spending time in conversation with friends and family.

Richard is survived by his wife, June, of North Liberty; his children, Kimberly K. Madsen Petersen (Steve) of North Liberty and Tim Neil Madsen (Angie) of Frytown; his grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Ulrich and Julia (Phil Kennedy) Madsen; and his great-grandson, Guy Sullivan Ulrich. He is also survived by his brother, Ron (Candy) Madsen of West Branch, as well as the “siblings” children of his Uncle Kenny and Aunt Bobby who raised him: Dick and Jenny Miller of West Branch and Pat and John Early of Florida, cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his cousin “sibling” Jim Madsen.