06/16/2014

Obituary for CSCA Member John Arlen Madsen

Obituary for CSCA Member John Arlen Madsen

John Arlen Madsen, 74, of Rock Island, IL, died unexpectedly on May 28, 2014 in Ballwin, MO, while visiting his grandchildren. Cremation is by Kutis Funeral Home, St. Louis, with final disposition of remains to be determined. Memorials may be made to the Buena Vista University John A. Madsen Memorial Fund, Storm Lake, IA or Study Abroad Fund at St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on Sat., July 12^that Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, IA beginning at11:00 am. Guests are asked to share their memories of John and his place in their lives.

John was born October 26, 1939 in the Town of Finlayson, MN, son of Ludvig and Augusta Madsen. He was united in marriage to Sandra George of Milwaukee, WI on June 18, 1966. John received BE and MST degrees from UW-Whitewater, and PhD from the University of Kansas. He taught communication, mass communication and business courses at Buena Vista University for 28 years. He also served as Director of Public Relations, Director of Summer ESL programs, and in numerous significant positions for the University. Upon retirement in 2000, John and Sandra moved to Rock Island, IL and in 2005 John joined the Communication faculty at St. Ambrose University, retiring in 2013.

Survivors include his wife Sandra, daughter Kaaren (Jay) Quezada, Ballwin, MO; son Michael, Iowa City, IA; grandchildren Ilaria and Joshua Quezada; brothers Frank (Ellie), Casa Grande, AZ; Irv (Sandy), Whitewater, WI; Len (Pat), Fall Creek, WI; and Mel, Amery, WI; brother-in-law Raymond George (Betty), Milwaukee, WI, and sisters-in-law Barbara, Shirley, and Nancy Madsen, and Kathleen George. He will be missed by loving family members and dear friends. John was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Gordon, Howard and Kenneth.

Thank you to Dr. Mary M. Gill, Professor of Communication Studies at Buena Vista University, for submitting this obituary.