Arnold Dwane Madsen was born on March 22, 1932, in East Chain Township to Andrew and Esther (Magnuson) Madsen. Arnold graduated from East Chain High School in 1950. His favorite school activity was basketball. After high school, he worked various jobs and began farming with his father.

In 1953, Arnold volunteered to enlist in the United States Army. After completing basic training, he was stationed in Japan for the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged on March 17, 1955.

Shortly after returning home from the service, Arnold began farming his uncle Peter Madsen’s farm near East Chain. On March 23, 1957, he was united in marriage to Donna Moore at the Methodist Church in Fairmont. This union was blessed with three children, Duane, Ron, and Ken. Arnold and Donna shared over sixty-seven years together.

The couple retired in 1994 and moved to Fairmont. Although living in town, Arnold was always driving to the farm to help with the farm work, “tinker” in his shop, and work on his antique Oliver tractors.

Arnold and Donna were active travelers during their retirement. They spent many winters at their winter home in Coolidge, Ariz. where they enjoyed activities, the warm weather, and making new friends.

Arnold was very active in the community. He was a lifelong member of the East Chain Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and was secretary/treasurer of the Sunday School. He also served on the East Chain School Board for 12 years, six years as president. In addition, Arnold served many years on the Farm Bureau Federation Board.

Arnold was also an active member of the Martin County Historical Society, where he volunteered many hours to the restoration of the Chubb House and the Red Rock Center. He was involved with Heritage Acres as well.

Left to cherish his memory include sons, Ron (Judy) Madsen of Albany, Minn., and Ken (Joyce) Madsen of East Chain, Minn.; grandchildren, Josh (Paige) Terres, Holly (Scott) Groetsch, Jackson Madsen, Beau Madsen, Phoebe Madsen, Vannah Madsen, Quincy Madsen, Gretel Madsen, and Sawyer Madsen; great grandchildren, Shelby, Ryan, Luke, Ellery, and Isaac; sister, Carol (Kermit) Heide of St. James, Minn.; sister-in-law, Marilyn Powers of Fairmont, Minn.; and other relatives and friends.

Along with his parents, Andrew and Esther Madsen, Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Madsen; son, Duane Madsen; brothers, Maynard (Dorene) Madsen and Harvey (Nancy) Madsen; sister, Arlene (LaVern) Schulz; sister-in-law, Marge (Marion) Tish; and brothers-in-law, Bob Moore, Bill Moore, Tom (Mary Jo) Moore and Roy Powers.

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