Susan Madsen (nee Wampfler)

Susan (Wampfler) Madsen, 69, of Cottage Grove, MN, passed away on February 11, 2025 at home. Born on September 15, 1953 in Rice Lake, WI, Sue was the third daughter of Albert and Dorothy (Putnam) Wampfler.

Sue is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Norman Madsen; her children Amanda Madsen and Ben (Katie) Madsen; grandchildren JoeLeigh and Parker Madsen; siblings Bonnie Koepp, Peggy (Rick) Slack, Jayne Wampfler, Tom (Debbie) Wampfler, Sandy (Sidney) Allwein, and Ruth (Jeff) Essick, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Dorothy Wampfler.

Sue attended Haugen Elementary in Haugen, WI, which is now a museum, and graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1973. She attended the University of Wisconsin, Barron County prior to marrying her husband Norm on October 18, 1974. They moved to Mississippi then to Charleston, South Carolina, where Norm was stationed, before moving back to Rice Lake, then Cottage Grove MN to raise their family. 

In her professional life, Sue worked at the deli and meat department in several grocery stores, where she was a valued member of the team for many years. She enjoyed crafting, going to the theater, decorating her home with flea market finds, spending time at the family cabin, and reading. She also enjoyed traveling on cruises with Norm and exercising with her friends at the local YMCA. Sue was known among friends and family as someone who loved life, and as a feisty and loyal supporter, particularly of her grandchildren. Whether in the stands cheering them on, helping behind the scenes, or going to Crumbl cookies for a treat, Sue supported her grandchildren in all of their activities without fail.

Sue will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and community.

Her family would like to thank the staff at United Hospital and Allina Hospice for their compassionate care, and all of the friends and family that took time to visit with Sue over the past several weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Heart Association in Sue’s honor.

A celebration of Sue’s life will be held 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016.