Madsen, Jean Murriel (Judson ) 91 lovingly known by her family and community as "Grandma Jean" -- died peacefully in her apartment at Heather's Manor, 3000 North Douglas Drive, Crystal, MN, at 12:45 pm on May 8, 2018. She had been on Hospice Care for a little over one week. Her granddaughter, Jenny Patrias, was at her side. Jean was born October 9, 1926, in Minneapolis, MN. Her parents were Mabel (Niles Kline) and Leon Judson. She met her husband, Russell D Madsen, while attending classes at the University of Minnesota. They were married June 30, 1951. They had their first child, Janet Jean, in 1953, and their second, John Russell, in 1956. Russell lost a battle with cancer in 1994. Both Jean and Russell were high school business teachers when Janet was born. Jean then trans-itioned into the role of stay-at-home mom until John was in school. She returned to teaching at St. Cloud Tech High School, where she also ran the business cooperative part-time program for students who worked in business offices half a day and attended classes half a day. She transitioned to St. Cloud Apollo High School when it opened. She was exceptionally involved in many organizations through the years. She was a Girl Scout Troop leader and adult volunteer, a St. Cloud Civil Service Board member, a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, a Greeter for the Convention and Visitors Bureau, a Top Hatter, an AARP Community Coordinator, a Triad Organizer, and an originator of the Amelia, Villard and Leven Lakes Association, an Eagles member, a Citizens for Schools Committee member for District 742 and a Sr. Helping Hands Board Member. Jean was a long time active member of Zonta International -- a global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy -- having joined in 1970. She also obtained her Master's Degree in Education. Jean delighted in her five grandchildren Robbie Patrias, Becky Patrias, Christopher Madsen, Jenny Patrias and Eric Madsen, and great-granddaughter Lydia Patrias Garver. She loved spending time with family at her cabin on Lake Amelia, where she would work outdoors during the day and enjoy long happy hours and card games in the evenings after a glorious sunset. The Zonta club has helped with arrangements for a memorial from 3-6pm on Thursday, May 31, at VFW #428, at 9 North 18th Street, St. Cloud, MN 56301. Spoken words at 5pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of your choice.

Published on May 27, 2018