Wayne M. Madsen

Wayne Melvin Madsen died on Saturday, (April 26, 2008) at El Dorado Manor in Trenton. He was 75 years old.

Wayne was born on June 19, 1932, to Victor and Mary (Miller) Madsen in Trenton. He graduated from Trenton High School in 1950.

On Dec. 21, 1950, he entered the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 4, 1954.

Wayne returned to the Trenton community and in 1958, he married Rosalie Redmer and they had two sons. He eventually assumed the ownership of his father's business, which became Madsen Well Service. Wayne was a career water well pump installer known for his professionalism and promptness.

He was an active member of the Nebraska Well Drillers Association having served as President for a number of years. He was also a member of National Ground Water Association and Public Education and Public Affairs Committee.

While serving in that capacity he personally organized and participated in educational events for the Children's Festivals and adult education forums sponsored by the Ground Water Foundation and Cooperative Extension Agency of the University of Nebraska.

Wayne volunteered countless hours serving on planning and advisory boards for the Ground Water Foundation and helped implement several ground water appreciation programs.

He served on the Nebraska Well Standards and Contractors Licensing Board having been appointed by the Governor to represent pump installation contractors. He was also appointed by the Governor to serve on the Natural Resources Commission representing ground water interests.

He was awarded the Maurice Kremer Groundwater Achievement Award in 2000.

Wayne's career spanned four decades of public meetings including legislative hearings in Nebraska's Unicameral, state regulators' meetings, educational workshops conducted by NWDA and Nebraska Natural Resources Commission Board of Directors of Nebraska. He also walked the halls of the United States Congress with other water well industry leaders from around the nation.

In December of 2006, Wayne's 45 year dedication, respect and love for the water industry were recognized when he was awarded the National Ground Water Association's Life Member Award.

On Sept. 5, 1987, he married Jean Wray. They made their home in Trenton where they were members of the Congregational United Church of Christ.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Victor and Mary Madsen and one son, Duane Madsen.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Madsen of Trenton; son, Monte Madsen and wife, Erlene of Lone Tree, Colo.; step-son, Mike Hedke and wife, Nancy of Centennial, Colo.; step-daughter, Brenda and husband, Frosty Sieger of Aurora, Colo.; twin brother, Ray Madsen and wife, Beth of Sun City, Ariz., and their children, Mike and wife, Jamie and Vicki and husband, Erik Fork; and one step-grandson, David Hedke.

Memorials were to be given in his name to the Congregational United Church of Christ or the Groundwater Foundation-Seacrest Award.

Memorial services were Saturday, 10:30 a.m. at Congregational United Church of Christ in Trenton with Pastor Fay Ann Blaylock officiating with Inurnment in the Trenton Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.