Kay Irene Madsen, 72, Minot, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at her home with her husband by her side under hospice care after a courageous 3+ year battle with ovarian cancer.
Kay was born March 14, 1951, in Carrington, ND the daughter of Roy and Florence (Pellett) Odegaard. She was raised and educated in Bowdon attending a country school and later Bowdon Public School. She furthered her education at Minot State University and received a teaching degree while also enjoying time as a member of the “North Hill Gang”. She began her lengthy teaching career in Butte, ND, where she taught first and second grade from 1973 until 1978. It was here that she met her future husband, Don Madsen. They were united in marriage on August 12,1978 in Bowdon. They moved to Minot that fall, where she continued to teach, first at Our Redeemer’s Christian School, then at McKinley and Edison Elementary until retiring in 2011. For several years, she also taught night classes for Minot State University and the Adult Learning Center. Throughout the years, she has received numerous teaching awards which showed how much she deeply cared about her students and their success.
Kay was a longtime member of Our Redeemer’s Church, Minot, where she actively served by teaching Sunday School, serving Wednesday night suppers, teaching Wednesday night children’s classes and had also served as the Church financial secretary.
Kay loved being with family, especially her grandchildren. They brought her much joy in her later years. She also enjoyed snow skiing, traveling, playing pinochle, putting together puzzles, quilting, going to women’s Bible study groups, making lists and spending time with her beloved friends. Kay was a role model and mentor to many whose legacy will live on for generations. She will be missed by many. May God bless her loving memory.
Her loving family includes, husband of 45 years, Don of Minot; children, Trisha (Mark) Scheid, Fargo, ND, Troy Madsen of Glendale, AZ, 4 grandchildren, Alexis & Christian Scheid; Aidenn & Abigail Madsen; brother, Larry Odegaard (Linda), West Fargo, ND; sister, Florine Winter, Bismarck, ND; sister-in-law, Janice Odegaard, Perrysburg, OH, brother-in-law, Tom (Linda) Madsen, Minot; sisters-in-law, Donna (Kurt) Schatz, Minot and Kim (Gary) Bless, Bismarck; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lee Odegaard; brother-in-law, Ortho Winter, nephews, Seth Schatz, Dave Burge and Baby Lee Odegaard.
Celebration of Life service: Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 2:30pm at Our Redeemer’s Church, Minot. The service will be recorded and available soon after via https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot in the spring of 2024.
Visitation: At the family’s request there will not be a reviewal, however friends may sign a memorial register book on Friday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
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