Mildred “Millie” S. Madsen, age 85, passed away at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL on May 8th, 2020.
Millie was born in Chicago, IL on March 13th, 1935, to Thomas J. Sr. and Marion (Detlef) Root. During her youth, Millie’s family moved to St. Petersburg, FL, where she enjoyed living as a teen. From an early age, it was known that Millie was very intelligent and she was always a serious student. After completing two years of college in Florida, she returned to the Chicago area to complete her B.S. and eventually earned a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. Millie began her career as a toxicologist by staying on at the UChicago lab.From there, she moved to Sandoz Corporation, working in crop protection, for many years.Her work for Sandoz, took her to Europe for a short time. She also was called to Washington DC, on occasion, to testify before the EPA in support of her research. In addition to having a successful career, Millie was a talented artist and avid gardener. She was a kind, witty, and loving person, who will be remembered fondly for her devotion to family. After the death of her father, Millie cared for her mother for many years. She also provided much love and support to her brother, Tom, and his children.
In 1999, Millie married the love of her life, Harry Madsen. After meeting at church, Millie and Harry struck up a friendship that grew into a great love and partnership. Both strong in their faith and sharing a love of knowledge, they were a perfect match. Together, they shared a passion for spreading God’s word. They enjoyed an active membership at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schaumburg, IL. They enthusiastically supported Lutheran Public Radio and the Issues, Etc. program and took great pleasure in the spiritual messages shared from these platforms. Millie also much loved the home she shared with Harry in Arlington Heights.They were so fond of reading that they set up their very own library in their home. The shelves of the Bullrose Library line most every wall in their condo, complete with a catalog system. Millie spent many hours of each day reading with Harry. As Millie got older, her eyesight waned. Harry continued to read aloud to her three hours a day from 18 different disciplines. This is just one of the many acts of love to be witnessed in Millie and Harry’s marriage of more than 20 years. They shared a beautiful relationship that was a blessing to them both.
Millie was preceeded in death by her parents and younger brother, Tom.She is survived by her loving husband, Harry and his children Wayne (Amy) Madsen, Brandt (Joan) Madsen, Courtney (Glenn) Jablon; nieces Tamara (Derek) Carpenter and Julie Root; and nephew, Marty Root.
A private graveside service will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery in Collinsville, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made in Millie's memory to Lutheran Public Radio.
Millie was born in Chicago, IL on March 13th, 1935, to Thomas J. Sr. and Marion (Detlef) Root. During her youth, Millie’s family moved to St. Petersburg, FL, where she enjoyed living as a teen. From an early age, it was known that Millie was very intelligent and she was always a serious student. After completing two years of college in Florida, she returned to the Chicago area to complete her B.S. and eventually earned a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. Millie began her career as a toxicologist by staying on at the UChicago lab.From there, she moved to Sandoz Corporation, working in crop protection, for many years.Her work for Sandoz, took her to Europe for a short time. She also was called to Washington DC, on occasion, to testify before the EPA in support of her research. In addition to having a successful career, Millie was a talented artist and avid gardener. She was a kind, witty, and loving person, who will be remembered fondly for her devotion to family. After the death of her father, Millie cared for her mother for many years. She also provided much love and support to her brother, Tom, and his children.
In 1999, Millie married the love of her life, Harry Madsen. After meeting at church, Millie and Harry struck up a friendship that grew into a great love and partnership. Both strong in their faith and sharing a love of knowledge, they were a perfect match. Together, they shared a passion for spreading God’s word. They enjoyed an active membership at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schaumburg, IL. They enthusiastically supported Lutheran Public Radio and the Issues, Etc. program and took great pleasure in the spiritual messages shared from these platforms. Millie also much loved the home she shared with Harry in Arlington Heights.They were so fond of reading that they set up their very own library in their home. The shelves of the Bullrose Library line most every wall in their condo, complete with a catalog system. Millie spent many hours of each day reading with Harry. As Millie got older, her eyesight waned. Harry continued to read aloud to her three hours a day from 18 different disciplines. This is just one of the many acts of love to be witnessed in Millie and Harry’s marriage of more than 20 years. They shared a beautiful relationship that was a blessing to them both.
Millie was preceeded in death by her parents and younger brother, Tom.She is survived by her loving husband, Harry and his children Wayne (Amy) Madsen, Brandt (Joan) Madsen, Courtney (Glenn) Jablon; nieces Tamara (Derek) Carpenter and Julie Root; and nephew, Marty Root.
A private graveside service will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery in Collinsville, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made in Millie's memory to Lutheran Public Radio.
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