Patrick "Pat" M. Madden

Patrick “Pat” Martin Madden, 86, of Mankato, MN, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 9, 1938, at his Grandma Collins’ home in New Richland, MN. Pat was the son of Roy B. and Mary A. (Collins) Madden.

Pat grew up in Waseca County and attended the Pink Schoolhouse in Wilton Township before graduating from Waldorf High School in 1956. On November 14, 1964, he married Sharon Busselman, who he had met at the Kato Ballroom. Together they shared 60 years of marriage.

Pat proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1961-1963 (Active Duty) and from 1963-1967 (Army Reserve) including time at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii and a four-month deployment to Thailand for Southeast Pacific training exercises. After his service, he worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation from 1963 to 2000, specializing in soils, road construction, and bridge inspection. Following his retirement, Pat continued inspecting bridges part-time for Blue Earth and Waseca Counties until 2010. During this time, he also worked for SMILES helping build wheelchair ramps.

Pat was deeply involved in his community, dedicating much of his time to his faith, family, and service. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 617, where he served as Adjutant, Chaplain, and Advisor for the Sons of the American Legion. He also contributed several years of service to the Eagle Lake Planning Commission. Pat’s love for genealogy, deer hunting, woodworking, and collecting eagle memorabilia enriched his life, as did attending his grandchildren’s various activities.

Pat is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Perry Madden of Eagle Lake, Lynn (Janel) Madden of Eagan, Lon (Jacki) Madden of Kasota, and Kelly (Brian) Rhoades of Eagan; and grandchildren, Connor, Collin (Carys Turner), and Claire Madden, Bennet, Allison, and Gavin Madden, and Patrick and Abigail Rhoades. He is also survived by sister Dorothy Harguth, many nieces, nephews, and in-laws, including Sylvan Andersen, Sarah Madden, Eldridge Stuefen, and Margaret Busselman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mary Madden; siblings, Richard (Carolyn) Nelson, Mary Catherine (Robert) Gress, Peter Madden, and Bonnie Andersen; and in-laws, Jack Harguth, Don Busselman, and Joan Stuefen.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at the Eagle Lake American Legion on Wednesday, February 12th from 4pm-7pm. Graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date. Honorary pallbearers include his grandchildren: Connor, Collin, Claire, Bennet, Allison, Gavin, Patrick, and Abigail.

Arrangements by Woodland Hills Funeral Home of Mankato.

www.woodlandhillsfh.com