Wallace Henry Madsen's Obituary
Loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Wallace Henry Madsen was born near Baker, Montana along with his twin. Shortly after, his parents, Hans and Agnes, traveled with the family to Minnesota, where Wallace spent his youth with four sisters, his twin and another brother. Wallace graduated from Tech High School in St. Cloud in 1953. The Army was next, (Fort Lewis) and while attending a USO dance, he met his future wife.
After marrying and starting a family, Wallace spent his career as a carpenter, showing off his work ethic and craftsmanship as a custom cabinet builder, as well as working for, and later managing a lumber company and cabinet shop in Tacoma, and later owning a cabinet shop in Whitehall, Montana. Wallace built his family five beautiful custom homes, as well as some homes for re-sale. He lovingly participated with his children in their endeavors and activities, and provided wonderful childhood memories.
Wallace loved riding our horses on Fort Lewis trails, and in the Cascades, where he also did some overnight horse camping trips. He loved music, dancing, hiking, nature, wide open spaces, animals, fishing, socializing, and children. Wallace dabbled in sculpture, took flying lessons at the local airfield, collected antiques, was an avid photographer, created beautiful landscapes with his backhoe, tractor, and good old sweat, and was a big kid at heart. Everyone loved him, as he was a gracious and attentive host, was kind, and made everyone part of the fun.
After leaving Washington, Wallace started a second family in Whitehall, Montana. Wallace loved his Montana ranch, watching the antelope pass through his fields, and hiking up into BLM land to explore and occasionally hunt. Relatives had some great times visiting there, and Wallace was a wonderful tour guide and fun host. Wallace was also involved in community events, such as working with Jefferson Valley Presents: A Lewis and Clark Expedition for a couple of seasons. His gregarious personality also earned him emcee roles for local events, and he was an extra in one episode of the Lonesome Dove series.
Wallace is preceded in death by his second daughter, his brothers and one sister. Wallace is survived by two daughters and a son, as well as seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, as well as three sisters still residing in Minnesota.
Wallace returned to Washington in August 2020, to be in the care of his eldest daughter. During this time, he was a fun, polite, kind, energetic, loving, stubborn, brave and strong man – a fighter to the end.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who helped Wallace along in his life journey. He truly enjoyed your company and appreciated all the comfort and joy you brought to his life. Special thanks to his girlfriend Shirley for all the help and love she shared – not only with Wally; she was also a great support to our family, and for all the people who helped care for him as his health declined. God’s blessings on all who loved and cared for him. Thank you.
A memorial service for Wallace is anticipated for late spring/early summer 2026 at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, Washington. Details will be posted here when decided.
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