Ronald L. Madsen

Ronald L. Madsen graduated to be with his Lord on September 9, 2012. He was born on April 2, 1932 in Twin Falls, Idaho, the son of Harvey and Nora Madsen. He is survived by his wife Clara, they were still on their honeymoon after 56 years, their children, Kimberly Nora Madsen, Karen Renee Boomhower, and Eric Guy Madsen (Dori), nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and his brother Richard E. Madsen of Lenexa, KS. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his stepson John Anthony Rogers, and one great-grandson. Ron cared deeply for his family and his country and was proud of his military service. He was a member of the NRA, Twirly Birds (an elite International Organization), the Military Order of the Purple Hear, and the 118th Assault Helicopter Company. Aviation was an occupation he loved. Ron first discovered this passion while in high school. He would work all day Saturdays at the stockyards and then spend his pay on one-hour flying lessons at the Twin Falls Airport. He joined the U. S. Navy in November 1950 during the Korean War, where he served four years as an aircraft mechanic. In January 1955, he enrolled at Sacramento City College, where he obtained his FAA A&P license and AA degree. He married Clara Olivia Chavez during this period on March 22, 1956, and they left for Guam in the Mariana Islands that November to work for TransOcean Airlines. Ron and Clara returned to Sacramento, CA where they lived until 1964. In that year, Ron volunteered for the Army due to the war in Vietnam. He learned to fly helicopters during his Army career earning a Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with 21 Clusters, Cross of Gallantry, and a Purple Heart. He also earned a Presidential Unit Citation. After four years of Army service, Ron taught at the Sacramento City College for twelve years. He continued flying helicopters after his separation from the Army, working as a bush pilot in Northern Canada during his summer break from teaching. Later, Ron also flew in Alaska over most of the state. After leaving Sacramento City College, he worked as a Base Manager for ERA helicopters in Deadhorse, AK. He also flew as a relief pilot for Bannock Regional Life Flight during his off time. Later he managed the Twin Falls-Sun Valley Regional Airport where he retired May 1, 1997. He ended his flying career with airline transport ratings in both airplanes and helicopters SEL & SMEL, certified as a flight instructor in instruments in both rotor and fixed-wing, and a Canadian Commercial license. He also had earned a Teacher’s Credential issued for Life by the State of California in Aviation Subjects. He look forward to his LAST flight, so be happy for him. My Flight Plan by Ronald Madsen I’ve flown an airplane high and a helicopter low, Passed through God’s own rainbow. Seen the jungles of Vietnam and its rain, Experienced war with all its pain. Landed in paddies full of rice, Even the arctic with all its ice! Flew the Yukon with its mountains and streams, Caught trout, beyond my dreams! Claire was with me on the high mountain peak, And the children heard the cry from the eagle’s beak. A carefree spirit, like a life without direction, Even when I received God’s correction. Yet I know He’s with me on my flight plan, That I’ll be with Him when I land. He’s wooing and loves you more than you know, Won’t you answer His call before I go? The family suggests memorials be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday September 15, 2012 at the Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park.