Dewey was born October 20, 1944, at Kadoka, South Dakota.
He served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965. He served overseas in the DMZ in Korea. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors.
Dewey was united in marriage to Judy Ham on March 13, 1970, in Pierre, South Dakota.
Dewey held many jobs throughout his life and was medically retired from Federal Employment in 2001. Most recently he worked part-time at Olsen Implement, Inc. and Northwestern Power, both of Huron.
Dewey was a life member and past commander of VFW Post #1640 in Hot Springs and an American Legion member in Huron.
Grateful for having shared his life include his wife Judy of Huron; a son Lester Harold Madsen and his wife Toni of Hot Springs; a daughter Angela Kay Gilchrist and her husband Curtis of Huron; six grandchildren Tristan and Morgan Madsen and Logan, Braden, Kayden, and Shaina Gilchrist; two brothers Chris W. Madsen and his wife Patricia of Presho, and Arlo B. "Bruce" Madsen and his wife Bonnie of Kadoka; a sister Marjorie Brookens and her husband Eugene of Sioux Falls; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Dewey was preceded in death by his mother Esther Joyce Madsen; his father John Chris Madsen; and twin brother and sister Chris Harold and Bonna Belle Joyce Madsen as infants.
A memorial service was held 4:00 p.m. CDT on Sunday, October 2, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Huron, with Pastor Rhonda Wellsandt-Zell officiating.
Visitation was held 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. MDT on Sunday, October 2, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services at the auditorium on Monday.
Funeral services were held 1:00 p.m. MDT Monday, October 3, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Pastor Rhonda Wellsandt-Zell officiating.
Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post #27 of Kadoka, was at the Kadoka Cemetery.
A memorial is established.
MEMORIAL SERVICES
Sunday, October 2, 2005 4:00 p.m.
Our Saviors Lutheran Church ELCA
2040 Ohio Ave. SW
Huron, South Dakota
MINISTER
Rhonda Wellsandt-Zell
FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, October 3, 2005 1:00 p.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
MINISTER
Rhonda Wellsandt-Zell
MUSIC
Jo Anne Stilwell – Pianist
Susan Davidson – Vocalist
"Old Rugged Cross"
"Little Brown Church in the Vale"
USHERS
John Madsen – Jeff Madsen
PALLBEARERS
Scott Phillips – Brian Nenaber
Ben Mallon – Don Walraven
Kelly Madsen – Paul Briggs
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
BY AMERICAN LEGION POST #27 OF KADOKA
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota
Guest Book
My sympathy to the Madsen family, I grew up in Interior, with Dewey, I haven't seen him since the 60's, but have fond memories of all the family, also please give Margie, Chris and Bruce my sympathy. Kay Reed
~ Kay O'Rourke Reed
Casper, Wyoming (9/28/2005)
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family. I remember many escapades in the past that Dewey was involved in. His life was rich with excitement. He will always be remembered fondly.
~ Owen and Bonnie Ferguson
Box 13, LongValley, SD (9/28/2005)
Back in the old days mentioning Interior was also mentioning the Madsens. I remember many escapades of Dewey's from being there or just hearing about them. He could sure make life more exciting. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family. God bless you and help you remember all those wonderful times.
~ .
. (9/28/2005)
We offer you our deepest sympathy, Judy. We have enjoyed knowing both you and Dewey. We are sorry for your loss.
~ Bill and AJ Fraas
Rt. 1 Box 148, Hot Springs, SD (9/28/2005)
My condolences to Angela and her entire family upon the passing of Dewey. My father died 11 years ago from lung cancer. It is an insidious disease. My heart goes out to you.
~ Mary Waybright
Sioux Falls, SD (9/28/2005)
....memories of growing up in those Dakota Badlands, and frequent visits to Interior Town, wouldn't be complete without recall of many interesting adventures with Dewey. While I will miss the Kadoka celebration of Dewey's departure to his new life, I am quite sure the Lord's people are already very much aware of Dewey's arrival at his new Homestead Place Above.
....peace & comfort to Judy, Lester, Ang & families, and to Chris, Marj & Bruce.
~ Mike Barber
Tampa, FL (9/28/2005)
Judy & Family, my deepest sympathy to you all for your loss. Dewey was a sweetheart & became a good friend to me, as well as all of your family. He will be sadly missed by all of his friends. Judy & Ang, my heart goes out to you all during this sad time. Your friend always.
~ Betty Shoultz
955 Neb. SW, Huron, SD (9/28/2005)
Ang, We send you our deepest sympathy and love. You and your family are in our prayers. I found this saying when I lost my dad and it meant so much to my family. "I love you dearly, don't shed a tear, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus this year" I hope it will comfort you like it comforted us. Your a very special person in our hearts.
~ Charlotte & Sharina Mears
18013 NE Oregon St., Portland, OR 97230 (9/28/2005)
Judy & family, I haven't seen you in several years & didn't know of Dewey's illness, but I want you to know that I am thinking of you at this time & will have you in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Dewey well but he was always so nice & friendly to me when I did see him all those years ago. Take Care, Debbie
~ Debbie Allard Falzone
Box 736, Philip, SD (9/28/2005)
Our warm thoughts and sincere sympathy go out to you, Judy and Family. We are sorry to learn of Dewey's death.
~ Jay and Freda Beckham
242 South 6th. Street, Hot Springs, SD 57747 (9/28/2005)
So very sorry to hear of your lost.
~ William and Margaret Mahrt
1723 2nd St. SE, Huron, SD (9/28/2005)
Dear Daddy, I just needed to write you a note. My heart is at ease knowing that you are in a better place & there is no more suffering for you. I will miss you (heck, already do!). I am so thankful that we have shared lots of special memories that I hold close to my heart. The boys are being strong (and yes, cry with mommy). We love you, you are gone but NEVER forgotten. All my love. Ang.
~ Ang
PO Box 307, Huron, SD 57350-0307 (9/28/2005)
I will miss my dear friend so much. I loved him and I love his family. He has been a special part of my life and the rest of the family will continue to be special to me. God be with you all.
~ Beverly Lathrop
2263 Co. Rd. 101, Lake Benton, MN 56149 (9/28/2005)
I am gonna miss you Cuz. Thanks for all the great times and even better memories. Wish I could be there but the visit we had will have to do.
~ Casey Dunsmore
6910 Teton Ridge, San Antonio, TX 78233 (9/28/2005)