Kenneth J. Madsen, age 82, of Huron, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at his home in Huron. His Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at American Lutheran Church with burial to follow at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Huron. Visitation, with his family present, will be from 4-6 p.m., on Friday, May 5, 2023 at Welter Funeral Home.

Kenneth James Madsen was born on February 2, 1941 to Henry and Violet (Krumvieda) Madsen in Plankinton, South Dakota. Ken attended school in Woonsocket. After his schooling, he farmed and milked cows, picked melons, and did anything he could to help his relatives and neighbors.

In 1963, Ken went on a blind date with Esther Kopfmann and within four months they were married at the Woonsocket Lutheran Church on November 3, 1963. To this union, three children were born, Vickie, James, and Scott.

Ken worked for the South Dakota Department of Transportation for over 33 years in highway maintenance. After retirement, he drove the school bus for many schools. He also enjoyed being a supervisor at the South Dakota State Fair. Ken was baptized Lutheran and was a member of American Lutheran Church in Huron. He was a member of the Huron Senior Center and American Legion, holding many offices. He was also involved with the Huron Noon Lions Club, with his favorite activity of selling 50/50 tickets at the races each season. Always enjoying the outdoors, Ken could be found camping, hunting, and fishing throughout the year.

He is survived by his children, Vickie (Emmett) Harty of De Smet, James (Mary Jo) Madsen of Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Scott ( Betsy ) Madsen of Aberdeen; his grandchildren, Christina (Nick) Castillo), Jamie Harty, Erik Lageson; Sophia, Eva, Gianna, Leo, and Gabriel Madsen; 5 great-grandchildren, Jayden, Alijah, and Grace Castillo, Atticus and Elaina Rivera; his siblings, Don (LaDonna) Madsen, Leroy Madsen, Larry (Judy) Madsen, and Betty Kelchen; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Esther; his grandson, Jared; siblings, Bobby (in infancy), Rose Ann Price , Janice Alderany, and Kath y Larson ; numerous aunts, uncles, and other loved ones.