Grace Madson

Grace Marian Carlstrom was born on January 3, 1936 at the farm home, the fifth child of Frans and Rose (Sacarias) Carlstrom, in rural Douglas County.  She spent her early childhood with her family on several different farms in Urness and Moe Townships.  She was baptized at home and confirmed in the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in 1948.  She attended rural elementary schools and junior and senior high schools in Alexandria graduating in 1954.  After graduation she was employed as a secretary in the office of the school superintendent where she met Marland Madson who was teaching in the system.  They were married on July 29, 1956 by Pastor Oliver Ruud at the First English Lutheran Church in Alexandria.

They left Alexandra in 1964 as Marland was pursuing more graduate study and teaching which took the family to Oklahoma, St. Cloud State, University of Minnesota and finally to Northfield in 1969.  Grace was a devoted homemaker and mother.  She started working outside the home once her youngest child started school.  From 1975-1990 she was a receptionist in the Admissions Office of St. Olaf College.  Her husband taught at St. Olaf and all four of their children are St. Olaf graduates.  Grace often called that experience as one of her most pleasant as she enjoyed working with people.

Grace was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church teaching three year old Sunday School, member of a Women’s Bible Circle and enjoyed working with the Quilting Group.  She along with her entire family spent portions of every summer of their married life until 2017 in Alexandria on Lake Darling.

After surviving cancer, dementia finally took her earthly life on Monday, October 23, 2017 at the Three Links Pathway Unit in Northfield at the age of 81 years and 9 months.  She is preceded in death by her parents and four sisters: Harriet, Dorothy, Florence and Jane.

Grace is survived by her husband, Marland; four children: Timothy (Heidi) Madson, John Madson, Barbara (Stephen) Madden, Matthew (Stephanie) Madson; five grandchildren: Emily Madson, Ethan & Noah Madden, Olivia & Isabella Madson; two brothers: Harold (Carolyn) Carlstrom, Verl (Carol) Carlstrom.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at Mount Carmel with visitation will be one hour prior.  Burial will be at Kinkead/Sunset Cemetery in Alexandria.

Grace was somewhat humble but determined woman whose first concern was her spiritual growth closely followed by her loving concern for her family.  She was an admired wife and mother by her entire family and her earthy absence will be deeply felt by them.  She is now with her and our, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net