Gertrude Ann Bowman Madsen, the oldest daughter of George Bowman and Helen Burkhardt Bowman, was born on April 10, 1930, in Des Moines, Iowa. She passed away surrounded by family at MJ Estates in Exira, Iowa, at the age of 94.
The Bowman family moved to Viola, Iowa, in 1931. Gert attended Viola School until 6th grade, when they moved to Leroy Township. Gert graduated from Audubon High School in 1947. Following her mother’s footsteps, she taught country school at Melville #3 for 2 years.
On November 13, 1948, Gert was united in marriage to William Madsen at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, Iowa. Six children were born into this union. Willie and Gert are lifelong Audubon residents who would have celebrated their 76th Wedding Anniversary in two weeks. Willie was her world; her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her joy. Her faith sustained her through trials and tribulations; she was a devoted Catholic. Gert taught First Communion to many St. Patrick’s 2nd graders.
Gert enjoyed family gatherings, weekly coffee with her friends, outings with the Red Hat Ladies, shopping, quilting, and volunteering in various Audubon County Organizations. For many years, Gert was the Audubon County Blood Mobile Chair. She served on many boards for St. Patrick’s Church, the Audubon County Memorial Hospital, and the Friendship Home, and was an election day poll worker. Gert also dedicated her time as a Den Mother for her sons’ Boy Scout Troops and a Campfire Girls Leader for her daughters’ Bluebird Troops. Many Audubon 2nd graders will remember Gert teaching them to quilt with Mrs. Engel.
Willie taught her how to golf so he would have a golf partner, and together, they managed the Audubon Golf and Country Club for many years. Gert was the first woman to get a hole-in-one at the AGCC in 1970. More than likely, Gert celebrated with a Hamm’s with her golfing friends.
Gert Madsen could be considered the original Martha Stewart of Audubon. She was an excellent cook and decorator. A lifelong Democrat, Gert voted early in this year’s election.
Gert is preceded in death by her sister, Mary Louise Jensen, and her son, Mark Madsen of Albuquerque, NM.
She is survived by her husband, William Madsen; her brother, Jim Bowman of Urbandale, IA; her children, John and Pat Madsen of Stuart, NE; Dr. Jim and Amy Madsen of Carroll, IA; Dr. Jill Madsen of Sumter, SC; Julie and Craig Jensen of DeSoto, IA; and Joni Madsen and Bill Fankell of Audubon. Willie and Gert have 14 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and several cousins.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, IA, with Fr. Wayne Gubbels as the Celebrant. Interment will follow the mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Audubon. A luncheon will be held following the committal at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Hall in Audubon.
Public visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a rosary service held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon, IA.
Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Midwest in memory of Gertrude; they may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA.
The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon, IA, is handling the arrangements for Gertrude and her family.
