Peter James Madden

PETER JAMES MADDEN, age 80 of Waseca, died on the afternoon of Friday, September 22, 2023 at his home.

Pete was born in Waseca on June 8, 1943, to parents Roy and Mary (Collins) Madden.  He attended the “little pink schoolhouse” in Waseca County as a boy, and later graduated from Waldorf High School with the class of 1961.  He was both baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he also served as an altar boy.  When Pete was only eight years old his father passed away.  Following school Pete took over the family farm and continued its operation until 1990.  He also drove truck for Eisen’s Meats in Waldorf during those farming years.  On September 15, 1990, Pete married Sarah Anne Hawker at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  He was later employed by Southern Minnesota Construction where he retired.  After retirement he worked for Borneke Construction and Lower 48 Trucking.  He was involved with the Knights of Columbus, served as a former trustee for the Waseca Eagle’s Club, volunteered with the Waseca County Sherriff’s Posse, played in local softball leagues with the Barden’s Bar team, and enjoyed evenings with the bowling league.  He was also a deer hunter, enjoyed horseback trail riding, and he raised registered quarter horses.

Pete is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sarah Madden of Waseca; one daughter, Gail (Justin) Johnson of Bemidji; one granddaughter, Rylee Ann Johnson of Bemidji; three siblings, Mary Catherine Gress of Elk Grove, CA, Dorothy Harguth of Waseca, and Patrick (Sharon) Madden of Mankato; one brother-in-law, Syl Andersen of Red Wing; and several loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents; a sister, Bonnie Andersen; and two brothers-in-law, Jack Harguth and Bob Gress.

Pete’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Ecumen Hospice for their compassionate and caring service.