Gary Madsen

Gary Chris Madsen, 75, of Colby passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Citizens Medical Center in Colby, KS. Gary was born February 5, 1948, in Colby, KS and was adopted by Christopher C. and Marie W. (Woerpel) Madsen, also in 1948. Gary was blessed with a bonus family, Ralph E. and Mary J. Mead (Mom and Dad) and their sons Roy, Bill and Chris, of Colby, KS.

He graduated from Colby High School in 1966 and married Regina K. Bussen, of Wallace, KS, in 1968. Gary and Regina had two children, Bryan Chris and Pamela Kay. Later in life, Gary met his soulmate, Janice (McDowall) Madsen. They resided in Lane, KS for several years, before moving back to Colby in 2019. They married on December 1, 2000, in Paola, KS and he was blessed again with a bonus daughter, Meagan McKenzie.

Gary was drafted into service in the U.S. Army in 1968 and completed basic training at Ft. Sill, OK. After service, Gary worked as a plumber and HVAC technician in Colby for several years before moving to Paola, KS and finishing his career as a Facilities Manager. Throughout his life, Gary was an avid outdoorsman and knife collector, and he passed his love (and skills) for camping, hunting and fishing on to his children and many grandchildren.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Marie; bonus parents, Ralph and Mary; brother Daniel and grandson, Jacob Madsen (Bryan and Briana).

He is survived by his wife, Janice of Colby; children Bryan (Briana) Madsen of Olathe, KS, Pam (Richard) Thompson of Claflin, KS and Meagan (Michael Harper) of Cambria, IL; stepdaughters, Shannon (Derek) Reilley of Colby and Heather (Steve) Faber of Ashkum, IL; and bonus brothers Roy, Bill and Chris Mead. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren; Cody, Cayley, Colby, Carlie and Dezaray (Bryan and Briana); Riley and Cale (Pam and Richard); Troy, Jess, Courtney, Landon and Aden (Shannon and Derek); Steven, Anderson and Francis (Heather and Steve); Chase, Alyssa, Declan and Elnora (Meagan and Michael); great-grandchildren include Kash (Troy and Sandra); Paisely and Adley (Jess and Mauricio); Charlie (Courtney and Nate); Stevie (Steven and Shelby); and Avery (Alyssa).

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, KS followed by a graveside service on Friday, May 26 at 10:00 am at Beulah Cemetery, Colby, KS. The family suggests any memorials be made to the American Lung Association or the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (WildTrust). Online condolences can be shared at www.baalmanmortuary.com