Pearl R. Madsen

Pearl Ruby (Illian) Madsen was born to Richard H.T. and Ingeborg (Ronning) Illian near Tracy, Minnesota at her parent's home on March 4, 1908.  She attended school there until moving with her family to Midland, South Dakota in November of 1918.  She attended school in Midland and graduated from high school in 1926.

As a young lady she worked at the Bastion House Hotel and Murray's Store in Midland.

Pearl was united in marriage to Harvey J. Madsen on January 29, 1927 in Ft. Pierre.  They made their home first in Capa, South Dakota, and then on the Madsen Ranch near Midland.  Her activities on the ranch included gardening, sewing, and cooking for the hired men and cowboys of the ranch.  She also acted as a mother to many of her nieces and nephews and their children.

Pearl was active in many organizations including the early New Century Club, the Midland Senior Citizens, and the Pioneer Club of Western South Dakota.  Pearl participated in the American Cancer Society for more than forty years serving at the local and state levels.  Pearl was also very active in her church participation.  White she attended the Trinity Lutheran Church she was the choir director, Sunday school program director and teacher, active in the ALCW, and a member of the Gideon's Auxiliary.  Her involvement later moved to the Open Bible Standard Church of Midland.

Whether it was putting on a Christmas party for the bank employees, or helping her granddaughter with piano lessons, Pearl's association with any endeavor was always marked by her extra effort to make the even special for those involved.  Her work was an example of the high standards she set for herself and those around her.

She passed away at her hom on the evening of January 16, 2001, at the age of 92 years.

Grateful for having hsared her life are her husband, Harvey; one daughter, Janice D. and her husband James J. Bierle; one granddaughter, Kim L. Bierle; one grandson Kory M. Bierle and his wife Robin; two great-grandchildren, Kruse T. and Sage M. Bierle all of Midland; two sisters-in-law, Elsie M. (Madsen) Haddock of Rapid City, and Mary K. (Getz) Illian of Midland; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other friends and relatives.

Pear was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Joseph, Charles, and Earl; and two sisters, Mable and Ethel.

Services
Friday, January 19, 2001
10:30 a.m.
Open Bible Church
Midland, South Dakota

Minister
Pastor Dan Carlson

Music
Robert Sheeley - Organist
Lennard Bluchert and Linda Schwalm - Vocalists

Ushers
Jerry Jones - Morris Jones

Active Pallbearers
Kory Bierle - Jim Illian
Jim Haddock - Don Illian
Pat Haddock - Tom Russell
Cody Jones

Honorary Pallbearers
All relatives and friends in attendance

Interment
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

Service Details

Services
Friday, January 19, 2001
10:30 a.m.
Open Bible Church in Midland, SD