Galen Kermit Madsen was born on November 30, 1952, to Hilda (Madsen) and Kermit Madsen in York, NE. He was raised in Hampton, NE, first living on the farm, and then moving into town. 

Gaen was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Hampton, and confirmed at United Lutheran in town. He graduated from Hampton High School in 1971. 

He enrolled at UNL in 1971, and then enlisted in the Army where he served as a surgical technician. After he was discharged honorably, he began the nursing program at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE. It was there that he met Janet Brand. They attended nursing classes an sung in the college choir together.

They both graduated in Spring of 1979, and married the following weekend at Salem Lutheran in Fontanelle, Nebraska on May 20. They moved to Lincoln and began working for Saint Elizabeth Community Health Center. Galen continued working as a nurse until his retirement in 2015. He worked first on the telemetry unit, then as a nurse supervisor for the evening and night shifts. His final years in nursing were spent as a surgical nurse and were the highlights of his nursing career. He loved helping people, caring for both their bodies and their spirits.

Galen was proud of his three kids - two daughters and a son - and he welcomed his sons and daughter in-law with enthusiasm. His five grandkids were his joy. He loved taking them to the zoo, cheering them on at their school and sporting events, and attending their dance and music recitals. He enjoyed a good game of Scrabble, or whatever new game the grandchildren taught him. 

Galen appreciated the beauty in God’s creation. He planted, arranged, and photographed flowers, and took his family on many camping trips in the Rockwood pop-up camper. He backpacked through Europe, and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States - mostly wherever he could visit his family!  Some of his favorite trips were to North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Hawaii, and Thailand. Galen liked cycling and participated in several tours, including Bike Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN) and Nebraska United Methodist Bike (NUMB) Ride for Hunger. He treasured the rides he did with brother-in-law Joel and his daughters. 

Galen had a love of the arts. He collected Kaleidoscopes and delighted in sharing them with family and friends. He sang in school and church choirs, and designed and decorated spaces, making the holidays extra special for his family. He supported his kids in their artistic endeavors, playing piano as they sang by his side, attending all their musical performances (and putting up with their rehearsals), and teaching them photography skills. 

It was important to Galen to serve others, and he did so not only in his nursing vocation, but also as he volunteered on church council, at the Barnabas Community, with Sheridan’s backpack program, and on mission trips with his church. He was a proud blood donor, and wished to be an organ donor upon his death. In his lifetime, he made 139 blood donations, totalling 17.38 gallons. 

His life of gentle love and compassionate service has left a mark on all who knew him, as well as a legacy for us to pick up and carry on. 

Galen is survived by his beloved wife Jan Madsen; children JoHanna (Scott) Buchholz of Devils Lake, ND, Marta (Jason) Klug of Pleasant Dale, NE, and Hans (Kelsey) Madsen of Fremont, NE; grandkids Lydia Buchholz, Adaya, Jonathan, and Emmalyn Klug, and Hallie Madsen; sisters Marilyn Garey and Ann Jorgenson; Mother-in-law Anita Brand; siblings-in-law Doug and Gail Brand, and Nancy and Joel Schroeder; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his father Kermit Madsen, mother Hilda Madsen, and father-in-law Kai Myron Brand. 

While we miss him here, we give thanks for the abundant life given to him through Jesus, both in this life and in the life to come. 

Visitation is Tuesday, October 22, 5-7pm at the funeral home. Celebration of Life is October 23, 10:30am, at Sheridan Lutheran Church

The family is greatful for the outpouring of love and support.  Please direct memorials to the following places that meant a lot to Galen:  

Sheridan Lutheran Church - Barnabus Community or Midland University for nursing scholarships.

Source: https://www.bmlfh.com/obituary/galen-madsen