Cecil M. Madsen
Cecil M. Madsen, 86, of Polson, MT, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at home.
Cecil was born on October 25, 1923, a son of the late Emery and Cecelia Madsen and was raised in Bonner, MT. His parents were immigrants from Norway and Cecil was very proud of his Norwegian and Viking heritage.
Cecil went on to join the US Army and dutifully served as an infantryman from 1942 – 1945 during WWII. He was proud to have been with the brave during the Invasion of Normandy, which instilled in him a true sense of patriotism. After beginning his career at the Anaconda Co. in Bonner, he later took a position with Smurfit-Stone. After forty years of service, Cecil retired in 1993.
In 1989, Cecil married Vickie Pettijohn and enjoyed their life together boating and entertaining family and friends at the cabin on Flathead Lake. Known for his “gift of gab”, Cecil always had a sense of humor that was both unique and sensitive. His nieces would often refer to him as the “Honorable Uncle Cecil” and those around him would quite frequently be reminded that his middle initial, M., stood for “Marvelous”. Cecil never met a stranger and made thousands of people smile throughout the years. He was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson, the Elks Club, and the Lions Club.
Besides his parents, two sisters, Frieda and Marie, and a brother, Melvin, precede Cecil in death.
Survivors include his loving wife, Vickie Madsen of Polson; three nieces, Donna Anderson (Lowell) of Helena, MT, Darlene Compton of Spokane, WA, and Diane Nelson (Darrel) of Peroia, AZ; a special close 2nd cousin, Ingrid Davis of Missoula, MT, and beloved family friend, Helen Sowre of Helena, MT.
Visitation for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 from 5 PM – 7 PM at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2010, 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Polson with Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Military honors and a light reception will follow the services at the church. Graveside services will then be conducted at Missoula Cemetery, Missoula at 3:00 PM on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, the Cecil’s family has suggested that donations be made to either the Mission Valley Animal Shelter (www.missionvalleyanimalshelter.org) or to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Polson. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Madsen’s family.
Vicki,
We just heard. I’m so sorry for your loss. Although we are far away in Arizona, our thoughts are with you now.
We spent many good times together working at thr Bonner Mill in the 1950′s and in politics. Knew the family well
Our dear Vicki, I talked to Wanda this morning and told her about your dear Cecil. I am so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We have fond memories of Cecil coming to the bowling ally. Oh how he loved you! Susan Burns
We are very sorry for your loss. Cecil entertained us many a Friday night at the Elks with his stories , especially those of Mexico! His greastest prize was you Vicki and no one knew that better than Cecil himself. Please contact us if you need any help with anything.
Gary & Sue
Vicky are thoughts are with you at this time. Cecil was a good man and we will always remember him and his jokes, and rambling stories. We will miss him. Love your friends Pat and Barb Thompson
Dear Vicki I’m so sorry to hear about Cecil my thoughts and prays are with you. He will be missed. I will never forget all the great times we all had together. If’s there’s anything I can do in your time of need please call,good friends will be there for you.
All my love Wanda
Vikie,
Our deepes condolence.. Cecil is gonna be missed very.I you need anything
just call us..Your Friends Jerry & Missy
Vicky, We are so sorry to hear of Cecil’s passing. Remember if there is anything you need or just want to talk you know where we are. God Bless You, Arlyn and Karen
Dearest Vicki,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will see you on Thursdayfor a special hug.
All our love, Sandie & Lloyd
Vivkie,
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you in your sorrow.
It was a pleasure knowing Cecil. His humor was something else. Always a funny story or a comeback on something that had been said. He kept us all in stitches when eating with him at the Elks on Friday nights.
He will be missed by many.
Jim & Gerrie
Vickie: We were sad to read of Cecil’s passing. He was a true friend. From the first day he stuck his head around the corner of Tom’s office in 1976 and introduced himself as the mill’s ambassador, we had many good discussions…..usually funny. We will remember him and you in our prayers.
Vickie,
We were so sorry to hear about Cecil. If you need anything please call!!! I have very fond memories of Cecil… he could always make me laugh!!! I think about you often and wonder how you are. I would love to talk to you. Jerry has my number. You are in our prayers. Love, Missy
George and I were saddened to read about the passing of Cecil in the newspaper. His humorous and friendly personality endeared him to us and many others. Our prayers are with you as you go thru this difficult period. If George and I can help you in any way now or in the future, do not hesitate to give us a call.
Our memories of Cecil will always be pleasant ones.
With deepest sympathy
Chris and George Troxel
So sorry for your loss, I have such great memories of Cecil. From the time I first met him, it was like I had known him forever. He just had a way of talking with you and making you feel like a life long friend. I will miss his stories and visiting with him when I saw him. His love for Vickie was so evident in many ways as he was truely in love. He was a good man and again I am sorry to hear he has passed away. God Bless, I will miss Cecil.
Vickie, just returned last night from our trip. Want you to know that you are in our prayers. Cecil was a wonderful friend to many. He will long be remembered. Barb.
Vickie, I so enjoyed my times visiting with Cecil. He was such a kind and warm person. He was a true inspiration.
Amoung many other things, Cecil was the luckiest poker player I have ever experieced. I lost many hands to him but I was always laughing. He was a truly funny man. One thing you could not do was expect Cecil to keep a secret. One day I told him about my youthful experiences in boxing and training for the Golden Gloves. Foolishly, I told him I had a glass jaw and could not continue with my hopes of boxing. He dubbed me “Canvas back” and it stuck. One Christmas a few years later he gave me a t-shirt with CANVAS BACK printed on the back. He never missed a chance for a laugh. I miss him. I’m sorry for your loss Vicki. Let me know if I can help.
Vickie, sorry to here about your loss and our loss, Cecil was a great person and friend. It was a pleasure to see both of you at the Lions Club xmas party. If there is any thing the Lions Or myself can assist please do not hesitate to call. I will always remeber his humor and the entertainment he supplied with his presence.
Vickie,
The Hellgate Lions Club of Bonner, Montana(Cecils Club) has many, many fond memories of Cecil !!
We know this is a huge loss to you personally but, he will be missed by “all” that really knew him & were sure we will all meet again.
The Hellgate Lions Club is making a donation to the Montana Sight & Hearing Foundation in Cecil’s name.
God bless & stay in touch,
Jim Milligan (Treasurer)
Vickie, our sincere sympathy to you in the loss of your wonderful, loving ,caring husband Cecil. Your happiness always showed on your face that he brought you over the years. What a wonderful caring wife you were to him. Kent and I offer our love in your loss and our prayers~~
Sincerly,
Jo Ann & Kent
Dear Vickie,
Kenny & I are so sorry for your loss, what a beautiful life you had together. Your love for each other was so apparent, I am happy for the years you shared. Know you have many friends who care about you, let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Our love & Prayers,
Kenny & Sandy
VICKI,
Found out today (from boise) about Cecil’s passing.
Our thoughts are with you and extended family.
Having worked with Cecil for 24 years we had many
laughs.
Again-our condolences…Pat and Joan Heimark
I will remember a good Norwegian in Cecil. Hal and I will miss his warm freindship and humor. Wonderful Blessings in Jesus to you, Vickie and family.
Helen Roys
I worked with Cecil for several years. prior to returning to North Carolina. He was one of the most considerate, caring, and kindest individuals I have ever known. I counted it a privlidge to have had him for a friend and also a very dedicated employee. Our Prayers and sincere sympathy are extended to his entire family.
Cecil will be missed! He truly was a “marvelous” man with a michievous sense of humor and we loved to listen to his wonderful stories. The heavens are rejoicing to have this angel to brighten their days.
Dear Vicky,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss his sense of humor, his warm smile, and his kind, gentle spirit. You were blessed to have him as your husband and we were blessed to have him as a church family member. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.