Donald J. “Don” Madison, age 73, of Wabasha, died Monday, November 12, 2012 at St. Elizabeth’s Nursing Home in Wabasha. He was the owner/operator of Don’s Power and Equipment in Wabasha. He was born April 28, 1939 in Minneapolis, the son of James and Margaret (Discher) Madison.
He grew up in New Richland, MN and graduated from high school there. He married Clara Johnson January 26, 1958 at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Lemond, MN, near Owatonna. They moved to Wabasha in 1960. He owned and operated Don’s Surge, a milking machine equipment business from 1960 until 1970. He also worked for Jim Elliott at Wabasha Marina during this time. In 1970 he started Don’s Lawn and Sport, owning and operating the business until selling it to his son, David, in 2000. Currently he owned and operated Don’s Power and Equipment located in David’s business.
He was an active member of the Wabasha United Church of Christ and a 50-year member of the Carnelian Lodge No. 40, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Don was also very active in the Wabasha community. He served on the Wabasha City Council, he was a 21 year member of the Wabasha Volunteer Fire Department, and served many years and was a past president of the Wabasha Utilities Commission. He also served on the Wabasha County Fair Board for several years. He enjoyed many activities including hunting, fishing, camping, gardening and motorcycling. He especially loved spending time with his great-grandson, Weston.Don is survived by his wife, Clara Madison, son, David Madison, daughters and son-in-law, Carmen Madison, Connie and Robin LaRocque, all of Wabasha, MN; four grandchildren, Erik Madison (Megan Packer), Kellogg, MN, Whitney Madison, Lewiston, MN, Nolan and Bailey LaRocque, Wabasha, MN; one great-grandson, Weston Madison, Kellogg, MN; sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Donald Hueper, Baudette, MN; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Dale, and one sister, Lois Hintz.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the United Church of Christ with Reverend James Clausen officiating. Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery. Urn bearer will be Tim Hansen. Family and friends may call at the Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 8 p.m. and at the church on Friday one hour before the service