Mr. Edward Lawrence Madsen, age 73, of Battle Creek, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2010 the V.A. Medical Center in Battle Creek.

Born in Battle Creek on Feb. 6, 1937, he was a 1955 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, and then enlisted in in the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1956 until his honorable discharge as an E-4 in 1960. He then worked for Clark Equipment for 19 years and Denso Mfg. for 15 years. In retirement he enjoyed traveling, camping, hunting, fishing, and just being with family and friends. Mr. Madsen was a proud and active member of the American Legion Post 298 in Battle Creek.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Knoch, his mother, Helen (Robinson) Madsen, his adoptive father, Donald Madsen; and a sister, Beverly Knoch.

Surviving are his wife of 37 years, JoAnn Carol (Goodale) Madsen; ten children, Robin (Isaacson) Siedelberg, Katherine Madsen, Evelyn (Madsen) Mann, Cindy (Isaacson) Howe, John Isaacson, Larry Madsen, Brenda (Isaacson) Eggelston, Jim Madsen, Dan Madsen, and Darrel Madsen; a brother, Morris Madsen; twenty grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

Committal services, with full military honors, are at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 19, 2010 at Fort Custer National Cemetery (family and friends should begin gathering for the procession at 12:30 p.m. inside the cemetery entrance).

A time of food and fellowship will follow at American Legion Post No. 298, 228 N. 20th Street, Battle Creek. To send a message of sympathy to the family or to sign Edward’s online guest book, please click the “Sign Guest Book” link above.