Charlotte Madsen, 95, Garrison, formerly of Max and Ruso, died on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at a Garrison hospital. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 pm at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Max. Burial will be at First Lutheran Cemetery in Ruso. Visitation will be held on Friday from 1 to 9 at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison.
Charlotte was born June 7, 1917 to Charles and Ellen (Paul) Sheelar on the family farm near Ruso. She was raised and educated in rural Ruso. She married Palmer Madsen on September 14, 1937 in Washburn, ND. They moved into the home of Palmer's mother south of Ruso. Later, they traded a horse for a one room house that they moved onto the same farm. There they farmed and were blessed with five children.
Charlotte was a very hard worker. She milked cows, washed laundry for two families, and helped with all aspects of the family farm. She loved to garden, make canned goods, and especially treat her kids to the wonderful jellies and sauces from the berries she and the kids picked. Taking care of Palmer and their children was always Charlotte's first priority.
Charlotte is survived by her children, Norman (Linda) Madsen, Bismarck, ND, Ellenor (Charles) Kinn, Coleharbor, ND, Clarence (Diane) Madsen, Garrison, ND, Melvin (Patricia) Madsen, Tacoma, WA, and Margaret (Charles) Bentz, Bismarck, ND; 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 4 step great grandchildren, 1 step great great grandchild; and 2 sisters-in-law, Clarice Sheelar and Hulda Madsen.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Palmer, parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister, and one son-in-law.
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