Sandra Jeanne Madsen passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, at the United Pioneer Home in Luck, Wisconsin.

Sandra was born on December 20, 1942, to Mary (Anderson) and Philip Zorn, in Stillwater, Minnesota. She grew up in St. Louis Park, and attended the school there, graduating in 1960.

Sandra worked for Washington County as a deputy matron for several years, and for various small businesses in Polk County, retiring from A1 Machine, Frederic, Wisconsin in November, 2022.

Sandra and Jens Christian (Chris) Madsen, were married on November 10th, 1975. They lived in an apartment above the Book and Stationery that they completely remodeled together including a sauna and rooftop patio. Later, they built a home on Big Butternut Lake in Luck, Wisconsin.

Their house and shop were adorned with ice tongs and a stork and its nest on the roof. They were known to get up early in the morning, take a thermos of coffee, and their dog, "Barney", hop in the van and just drive, with no agenda, stopping for coffee breaks along the sightseeing journey.

Sandy loved to fish, and she and Chris spent many hours together on the St. Croix River with lots of trophy fish to show for it.

Sandy was very active in her church, serving on the church council and various committees, and in her community. She knitted beautiful prayer shawls and reached out to people in need. After Chris died, one of Sandy's "missions" was to connect with friends who had also lost their spouse, to encourage and support them.

Sandy was very creative in needlepoint, knitting, sewing, beading, jewel making. Carving and woodworking were among her many gifted talents. At Christmas time she enjoyed baking all the "Danish" cookies for which she was famous.

Sandy had a great sense of humor and a memorable laugh, one that brought joy to so many. She was always willing to help and make life more enjoyable for others. She enjoyed playing games with her family when she drove up north for overnight visits. They always looked forward to spending time with her.

Sandy is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chris Madsen, and her parents, Phil and Mary Zorn. She is survived by her brother, Fred (Sharon) Zorn, Step children, Chrissy Maun, Scott (Desiree) Madsen; Step grandchildren, Dan (Libby) Stacy, Michael Madsen, Nicholas Madsen and Sara Scull. Niece, Stephanie Zorn Jugovich, Nephew, Aaron (Kristin) Zorn, and children Evan and Owen; and Niece, Diana (Joe) Wark and children Willow, Asa and Micah.

Sandy had wonderful friends who she dearly loved, and who loved her. She was a blessing to all, and she will be remembered, and sorely missed by all who knew her. We know she had a strong belief in God and trusted His promise of salvation, so we grieve "with hope".

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Luck Lutheran Church (510 E Foster Ave, Luck, WI 54853) with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM.

Last Update: Dec 16, 2025 9:59 am CST