We celebrate the life of Anders Nelson Madsen, Jr. known by family and friends as "Bud." He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who departed from us and was welcomed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 27, 2020. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Lorraine (Long) Madsen, and by two daughters, Linda Madsen Guy (Sonny) and Wendy Madsen Holden (David), and by son, Anders Madsen, III. Bud delighted in his 12 grandchildren and 14 (& counting) great-grandchildren, who called him "Poppy."

Bud was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Anders Nelson Madsen and Edith Smith Madsen.  He was reared in a Christian home along with his three sisters, Nina, Lolita and Betty, and two brothers, Uriel and Harold.  From a young age, he helped in the family grocery store.

Bud served in the U.S. Army during WWII with the 106 ^th (Golden Lion) Infantry Division. This division was assigned to the Ardennes Forest in December of 1944. Within a few days, Bud became involved in a historic battle which became known as the Battle of the Bulge. The 106 ^th Division fought valiantly in the area of the town of St.Vith. Bud's courage in battle is recorded in the book, Decision at St. Vith , written by Charles Whiting. Ultimately, he was captured and imprisoned in a German prisoner of war camp.

For his outstanding military achievements in World War II, the American government presented him with numerous awards, including: the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with "V" Device, the Combat Infantry Badge, the American Campaign Medal, the Prisoner of War Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Because of all of Bud's war actions, he was, also, awarded France's highest medal, the French Legion of Honour, Order of Chevalier.

After the war, Bud attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he met his future wife, Lorraine, and earned his Bachelor's Degree. Not long after graduation, they married and he continued his education, at the University of Miami, earning his Master's D egree.

Bud had already begun another "love of his life"— a teaching career that spanned over 33 years as a teacher and principal in Miami Dade County, Florida. After retirement, he and Lorraine moved from Miami to Palm City, FL, where they have lived for the last 27 years.

Bud was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palm City. He revered the Lord and loved to sing about Him. His favorite hymns were the "Doxology" and "The Old Rugged Cross." Bud loved God, his family and his Country. He was our hero.

No formal memorial service has been scheduled. Final internment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.