He was born on March 7, 1930 in Los Angeles to Bert and Emma Hall Madsen..
Don was raised and attended schools in Monroe, Utah and later Bountiful, Utah. He attended Davis High School, participating in football, basketball and baseball and graduating in 1948. While at Davis High School Don met the love of his life, Laurel Joyce Sibbett, and they were united in marriage on June 30, 1950 in the Salt Lake City Temple. He attended and played both basketball and football at Weber College and then later at the College of Idaho where he earned his bachelor degree in education.
Don then earned his master’s degree in education at the University of Oregon. He started teaching and coaching in 1952 in Parma, ID, later in Caldwell. ID, and Dayville, OR, before moving to Hermiston in 1956. Don taught history and drivers ed among various other subjects as well as coaching basketball and football. He retired from teaching in 1990 after 33 years in the Hermiston School District. After retirement he coached for one year as the Boys varsity basketball coach at Riverside High School in Boardman. He then coached basketball at BMCC for several years with long time friend Larry Bartee. Don was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving a church service mission with his wife at the Willow Creek Branch for 2 years in Lexington and Heppner. He also served in various other callings including Ward clerk and Stake High Councilman. He enjoyed coaching at any level, supporting his grandchildren in their activities, and hunting. There wasn’t a child or animal that didn’t enjoy his gentle manner.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years: Joyce Madsen, La Grande, OR; sons: Michael Madsen, Hermiston, OR and Mark Madsen & wife JoAnna, La Grande, OR; grandchildren: Ashley (Greg), Allison, Steven (Danielle), Anne (Jake), Soren (Lacey), Seth, & Sophia; great grandchildren: Kole, Emery, Tyler, Elizabeth, Angel, Charlotte, & Sawyer; several nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Mac Madsen, and sister: Judy Forster.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1035 SE 9th St., Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
