James “Jim” Kenneth Madsen, 66, of Russell, Kansas, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 31, 2020, at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Jim was born on September 15, 1953, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Kenny and Louise (Rogers) Madsen. He grew up on the family farm in West Branch, Iowa and attended high school there. Jim graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business. He was united in marriage to Katrin Kolder, DVM on September 1, 1990 in West Branch, Iowa. They divorced in 2013, but continued to breed Red Angus cattle and raise their sons Steven and Josh together. The last five years were spent with his special friend, Lindi Clough.
The family moved from Thermopolis, Wyoming to Russell, Kansas in 2010 and put together a grassland ranch northeast of town. Jim was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. He loved the ranch, took pride in improving it and working with his sons. An avid football fan, he took great interest in history, geography, conservative politics and fighting for the independent cattle producer. The joys in his life were riding his horses with his dogs checking cows. Watching the moon rise or the sun set from his yard brought him peace and fulfilment.
Surviving family include Katrin and sons Josh and Steven of Russell, KS; brother Dick (Jenny) Miller of West Branch, IA; sister Patty (John) Earley of Naples, FL; granddaughter Raelynn Madsen, Ridgecrest, CA and cousins Ronnie (Cynthia) Madsen of West Branch, IA and Richard (June) Madsen of Coralville, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30AM, Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at St John Lutheran Church, Russell, KS. A celebration of life will follow at a later date in West Branch, IA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to R-CALF USA or Russell Rough Riders Special Olympics chapter. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.