Birth date: Jul 3, 1923 Death date: Dec 18, 2025
Marilynn Ann Amdal Madden died on December 18, 2025. She was 102 years old. She was born on July 3, 1923, in Ottawa, Illinois, to Marie and Rasmus Amdal. In 1944, Marilynn married Dean Madden, moved to Decatur with her husband, a Read Obituary
I was fortunate enough to go to church with Marilynn and Dean for many years. I loved her dazzling smile and twinkle in her eye. I happened to see her this fall at WalMart and she still had that smile. I was most surprised that she remembered me! She was a remarkable woman!
-Patti Swinford
Marilynn Madden- for me synonemous with quiet dignity-subdued elegance coupled with practical down to earth life style and actions. She met fateful happenings with courage and acceptance.
I first met Marilynn in 1966 when I, just newly arrived in the US, was invited to accompany Dot Williams, my host here in Decatur, to one of the special ladies‘ Christmas gatherings at the Madden “barn”. I was awed at the display of Scandinavian treasures in this unique barn!
Years later, maybe early 1990s, my husband Lucien and I joined the Cozy Culture Book Club where Dean and Marilynn had already been long time members. Each season ended with a deluxe, beautifully served chili supper at the Maddens’; a tradition Marilynn upheld until she retired from book club just a few years ago.
Thinking of Marilynn brings tears and feelings of gratitude for having had the opportunity to have known her all these years since 1966.
She was- and always will be- an Inspiration for me.
Brigitta Kapp
