Harold Madden

Harold Madden, A distinguished and well-respected educator, community volunteer, friend and father passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the age of 90. He was born in Oshkosh on September 13, 1926 the son of Harold and Rose (nee Luft) Madden. After graduating from Oshkosh High school, he proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII from as a radioman based in California. He received his Bachelors and Master’s degrees from UW-Madison. He began teaching at Dakota High School in Illinois, introducing Spanish foreign language. He then taught in Kaukauna WI. During this time, he used his connection with the Spanish Department at UW-Madison in combination with the National Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese to establish in Wisconsin an annual state Spanish pronunciation contest in which speaking was emphasized for the first time. In 1958 the Madden’s moved to Waukesha where he began his dedicated Spanish teaching career at Waukesha South High School. He was progressive not only with the curriculum, but also with the State Spanish Pronunciation Contest, National Spanish Exams, and The National Spanish Honor Society. Mr. Madden taught for over thirty years until his retirement in 1986. He remained active for twenty more years in the State Pronunciation Contest serving as a judge. One of his commitments after retirement was his loyal support of Hispanic members of St. Joseph Church in Waukesha. He was a longstanding member of the Hispanic Committee as well as a representative of the Worship Committee along with his dear friend Fred Cruz. Mr. Madden was a dedicated educator and received many teaching awards.

Mr. Madden was a one of a kind special person who will be dearly remembered for his joy of living, various collections, his tremendous generosity, and commitment to his career.

He will be sadly missed by his children, Lee (Olly S.) Madden of Middleton, Laura (Kevin) Goralski of Hartland and Brian (Rosa) Madden of Pearl, MS, his four granddaughters: Alyssa (Dan) Powell, Sarah, Jaime and Haley Madden. Great granddaughter Nathalie and Baby Powell due March 2017.

He had deep love for his cousin Marge Reed, her family and other Madden relatives in Janesville. He developed a lifelong bond with Fred Cruz during the years he mentored Fred. He is further survived by other relatives, friends and professional acquaintances.

The Family would like to sincerely acknowledge and gratefully thank all of Harold’s recent caregivers who provided outstanding compassionate care: Azura Memory care, Hometown Hospice and Homecare, Comfort Keepers, and his Lake Country Landing Assisted Living Family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the 2:00 p.m. funeral service at St. Mark’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 424 Hyde Park Ave., Waukesha, WI 53188. Pastor Andy Fetters will preside. Private entombment with full military honors will be held Monday at Lake View Memorial Park in Oshkosh. Memorials in Harold’s name are appreciated to Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.