Dorothy Mae Madson

November 11, 1936 – April 18, 2026

Dorothy Mae Madson, 89, of Iola, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

She was born on Nov. 11, 1936, in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, to William and Lillian (Handschke) Nowak.

Dorothy married John L. Madson on April 2, 1960, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Waupaca, Wisconsin. He preceded her in death on Nov. 24, 2003.

Dorothy loved spending time with her family. She was also a dedicated fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badger basketball, and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Dorothy was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. She taught 2nd-grade Sunday School for many years and worked with the Iola Girl Scouts’ Brownie Troop. Dorothy was a van driver for Kindergarten and Special Education, and later a school bus driver for the Iola Scandinavia School District.

She is survived by her children, Steve (Marie) Madson, Holly (Brian Anderson) Madson, and Mark Madson; grandchildren, Nathaniel Peschong, Emily VanGroll, Nick Madson, and Charlie Madson; great-grandchildren, Ayanna, Karma, Katalaya, and Elijah; and her sister-in-law, Shirl Nowak of Waupaca.

She was preceded in death by husband, John, parents, William and Lillian Nowa; granddaughter Kayla Peschong; brothers, Walter Nowak (Elaine) and Arnold Nowak; sister Bernice Sweetalla (Del); and nephew, Bill Nowak.

The Funeral Service for Dorothy will be held on Friday, April 24, at 11 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Iola with Rev. Gail Kenny officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment will be at Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Aspirus Hospital, Stevens Point, Wisconsin; Our Savior’s Lutheran Church; Voie Funeral Home; Iola Ambulance Service; and Living Oaks Assisted Living.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

In honor of Dorothy, feel free to wear your favorite Badgers, Brewers, or Bucks apparel.