Myrna J. Madsen

Myrna was born on February 19, 1941 and was raised on a beautiful farm outside of Hedrick, Iowa. She milked enough cows on cold Iowa winter mornings to be able to convincingly explain to her children and grandchildren that their lives were indeed very comfortable.  Myrna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Madsen, her parents, Dale and Frances Eckley, two of her sisters, Dorothy Brain and Mary Gilliland, and one brother, Dallas Eckley.

Myrna was survived by her sons, Christopher (Cindy) Madsen, Matthew (Lynn) Madsen, five grandchildren that she adored, Mackenzie (Jack) Dwyer, Ally Madsen, Machaela Madsen, Hannah Madsen, and Jackson Madsen, five siblings, Jean Lacey, Janet Maddy, Diana Eckley, Dennis Eckley and Brenda Lamansky, and countless nieces and nephews.

A year after graduating Hedrick High School, Myrna married the love of her life and soon started her own family. Myrna raised her boys in Des Moines, Iowa, and was a fixture at Little League games, her church, swim meets and many other family events and activities. A somewhat reluctant camper and boater, Myrna nevertheless made herself an enthusiastic participant so that she could spend fun times with her family. She believed her grandchildren could light the night skies and walk on water. Myrna was wonderfully devoted to her grandchildren and overindulged them at every opportunity, usually with chocolate. Myrna made St. Louis her hometown for the past 28 years and was active in her church, particularly enjoying her work with kids during vacation bible school and with babies and toddlers during Sunday morning services. Myrna spent countless hours volunteering at the Academy of the Sacred Heart school in St. Charles when her granddaughters, Ally and Hannah, were students there, and she made many friends among the students, their parents and grandparents. Nearly everyone knew or referred to her as sweet Myrna and she brought much joy and love to friends and family. Myrna set the gold standard for being “Grandma Madsen” and left big shoes to fill for the next generation.  Myrna will be missed and memories of her will be deeply cherished.

Memorials may be made in Myrna 's name to Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation.