Leslie Madson

Leslie E. Madson, 90, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2007, at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo. Leslie was born August 9, 1916, on the family farm near Argusville, North Dakota, to Elvin H. and Louise (Mathison) Madson. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Nora Lutheran Church of rural Gardener, ND. He was raised in Wiser Township, on his grandfather’s homestead, going to Pleasant Valley School and graduating from Gardner High School. He then took a year’s training at Fargo Business College before he enlisted to serve his country during WWII, November 28, 1942, in the Navy. He was medically discharged a year later, with rank of Yeoman 3rd Class. He then returned to Fargo Business College and received a degree in Higher Accounting. He was employed by Dakota Bus Lines as an Accountant for eight years. Then in 1953, Les began working as Accountant for Dacotah Paper Company where he became Secretary-Comptroller. He was employed by Dacotah Paper for 26 years, retiring in 1979. Leslie also kept the books for Larson Brake Service for several years. Leslie married Hazel A. Rekken July 19, 1947, at the Horace Lutheran Church. They were married for 55 plus years, until Hazel’s death in 2003. They made their home in Fargo, raising three children. Les and Hazel joined Messiah Lutheran Church in 1951, and were active members of the church having volunteered in helping to build the church which was then located at 5th Street and 16th Ave. N. in Fargo. Les also served on the church council. After retirement, they spent winter months in Yuma, Arizona, and the summer months at their cabin on Rose Lake. He and Hazel loved to travel having made several trips, including visiting their ancestral country of Norway and also Sweden. Les was a member of the American Legion for over 60 years. He also belonged to the Kiwanis, and later Golden K, as well as the Eagles and the Sons of Norway. Leslie was a most devoted and faithful family man. The fondest and cherished memories as a family were those spent at Rose Lake, from the early 1960’s to 1984. Leslie is survived by three children, Janice (Bill) Warner, Prior Lake, MN; Sharon (Mark) McLean, West Fargo, ND; Larry (fiancé, Laurel Mahan), Madson, Fargo, ND; three brothers, Milton, Burton and Gordon; grandchildren, Lisa (Rob), Eddie, Kevin, Evan and Ahna; and special friend, Alma Eggert. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel; and two brothers, Earl and John. Funeral Service: Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at 11:00 AM, at Messiah Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: Monday, May 21, 2007, from 5-7 PM, with a Prayer Service at 7 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.