Sylvia (Reimers) Madson was born November 6, 1938 to Ehler and Sadie Reimers, of rural Petersburg, ND. She grew up a red-headed country girl with a love for the outdoors and music. She learned to play piano at a young age, a talent she would share with others for the rest of her life. She was a smart one, graduating high school at 16 and moving to Milwaukee to attend a business secretarial school. After completion, one of her first jobs was at Valley Motors in Grand Forks. A few years later, while attending a dance in Niagara, she laid eyes on a cute, blonde GI fresh out of the army. His name was Paul Madson, he asked her to dance and she was hooked! They wed on June 14, 1964 at Lom Lutheran church and made a home together, farming near Fordville. Their union produced 3 awesome kids, David, Lori and Steven.
Sylvia always worked several jobs throughout her life. Business manager at Fordville High School was maybe her favorite as being around all “her kids” was the highlight of her days. She also was an accompanist for all choirs, small groups and soloists for concerts and contests. She cared especially for those kids who seemed a little left out, at times providing rides home or to practices, paying for lunches for those who ran out of money or buying clothing or a coat for a few who were in need. Many students knew Sylvia was there to lend a hand, an ear or a friendly smile when they needed it most. She was an avid sports fan, attending basketball and volleyball games, both home and away, for decades, long after her own children had graduated. There was always someone to watch, encourage and cheer for.
Another job she held for several years was as an enumerator with the ND Ag Statistics service where she was -as we liked to say- “out standing in her field”. She retired just last year from the US Postal Service, serving offices mostly in Fordville and Pisek. Just as she did with her school job, she cared for her customers like family, often going the extra mile to hand deliver mail to those she knew were unable to come to office themselves.
As a member of Elk Valley Lutheran Church, Sylvia shared her gift of music as organist for 50+ years, doing double duty on Sundays at Fordville Lutheran as well. Her name was known to pastors, priests and funeral directors far and wide and if you’ve been to a funeral or wedding within 50 miles of Fordville, you probably heard her play at least once!
Syl was not only known for her musical talent but also for her buns! Home-made buns and her canned peaches were popular items at church bazaars as well as with family and friends. On warm sunny days, you might have spotted a large green Tupperware bowl on the seat of her car bulging with bread or bun dough rising while she worked or ran errands.
She was a proud grandma to 8 special grand children and 4 adorable great-grands. Loving on them helped to fill the hole left in her heart by Paul’s unexpected death in 1994. Sylvia remained devoted and true to him for 30 more years. She loved, and was loved by, her many friends of all ages and walks of life. At long last, she was reunited with Paul on August 23, 2024. We are certain he came, held out his hand and danced her home.
Sylvia leaves behind her children, David (Debbie Spaziante) Madson, Lori (Tory) Hart, and Steven (Tanya) Madson; grandchildren Sadie Madson and Olivia (JD) Downing, Erin (Chris) Byrne, Adam Hart, and Annie (Matt) Anderson, Morgan (Calvin Fendrick) Devine and Jake (Fatmata Coomber) Devine, and Paul Madson; great-grandchildren Charlie, Carter, and Coleman Fendrick and Nolan Byrne. She also leaves her brother James Reimers, sisters-in-law Avis Madson, Janet Madson and Geneva Flaaskog and many nieces and nephews.
She will be deeply missed and long remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Elk Valley Lutheran Church rural McCanna, ND. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Elk Valley Lutheran Church. Friends may also call at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the church cemetery.
The Tollefson Funeral home of Park River is in charge of the arrangements.