M. Dale Madsen

1942 - 2025

Dale, "the Whistler," has warbled his last song in this mortal world, and has joined his sweet bride in heaven. It's with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Dale Madsen of Lehi, Utah, on November 30, 2025.

Dale was born to LaMar and Veneta Williams Madsen on August 23, 1942, during the height of World War II, in a small railroad siding house in Mills, Utah, or as Dad liked to call it, "Mills, America." He was born of good pioneer stock going back many generations in that area of the state.

He was delivered by his Grandmother Williams in that little two-room siding house, sixth in a family of eight lively children. His family lived in the Mills area for several years before settling in Draper in 1949, where his mom and dad made a comfortable home built of railroad ties and love.

The Madsen boys grew up to be the best of friends. One warm summer day he and his brothers were headed to a favorite fishing hole in Lehi. On the way they stopped to buy bait, where he was introduced to his future bride, Miss Bobby Gooch, who was selling night crawlers in front of her house at the time.

A few years later Dale would again happen upon Bobby. On a double-blind date with someone else, they happened to drive by Bobby's house while she was out collecting the mail. Dale later mentioned to the other fella on that date, who actually knew Bobby, that he'd sure like to date that girl with the dark, curly hair. They did indeed date, and were wed in Lehi on September 1, 1961, the fall after his graduation from Jordan High School.

Despite their youth, they took marriage very seriously as they forged

their way together into adulthood. Dale enrolled in Salt Lake Trade Technical Institute where he apprenticed to be a sheet metal journeyman, or a "tinner." Together they bought their first home in Alpine, where they were blessed with four of their own rambunctious children, Wendy Sue, followed by a sister, Stacy Jean (aka Dosey Billie), another sister, Michelle Ann (Chelle or Sam to family, and Chawdley to her daddy). Giving it one more go for a boy, the family was completed by Michael Shane (Mike).

Dale was a tinner and union man for life. He had the scarred, rough hands and permanent tan of a tradesman, something he was very proud of. Driving along the Wasatch Front, he would often point out the many buildings he had worked on throughout his career. His building accomplishments are many, and include such Utah landmarks as the old Salt Palace, and Hotel Utah, as well as many buildings scattered around the campuses of the U, BYU, and "Trade Tech" (Now UVU) in Orem. He was also involved with construction of many of the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah and Idaho. Chances are his signature graffiti that tinners leave in their work (IYKYK) can still be found on the ductwork of many buildings he helped construct.

In 1975, Dale and Bobby built a new home for their family in Lehi, Utah, where they remained for many years. During that time, Dale invested with his brother in a business on Lehi State Street, Madsen Auto Body, followed by a wrecking yard, Madsen Auto Parts on 2100 N in Lehi.

After a long career in sheet metal, and wanting to escape the "mass of humanity" as he called it, he and Bobby pulled stakes from the Wasatch Front in 1983, and moved to Idaho. They purchased an auto wrecking business in Gooding that was promptly renamed Madsen Auto Parts. Their business provided salvaged auto parts to the automotive repair industry, with a focus on vintage parts to buyers around the world.

In time, the pull of extended family and home called Dale and Bobby back to Lehi, where they built again, and lived the remainder of their lives.

Dale lost his sweet bride in April 2024. During the preceding 13 years, Bobby developed a disability that required a dedicated caregiver. During that time, Dale attended to her every need (with the assistance of daughter, Wendy). No ask was too big if it came from his princess. If she wanted something, he figured out how to make it happen. They decided to become travelers together. He bought her a paratransit bus, as well as a toy hauler for camping, and she was the toy. Together they traveled the west coast, ocean cruising repeatedly during those years, all the way from Alaska to Hawaii, and everywhere in between.

After losing his bride, he forged on with grit and determination, just as a native-born pioneer would. During this time, he visited Bobby's graveside weekly, bringing flowers, hair ribbons, and sweet mementos that reminded him of her. During the last few months, his body grew increasingly tired. Along with dearly missing his sweetheart, the requirements of this world became too demanding to continue. Dale passed peacefully at home of natural causes, with daughter Wendy at his side.

In his eight decades on earth, he was a son, brother, sweetheart, daddy, and papa, as well as protector for his family, and of promoting what is good and right.

A few paragraphs of writing do not do justice to this great man, loved by so many. So loved and admired by family that the name Dale resounds among the names of his lineage, yet he was always humble, goodness came naturally to him. He will remain in our hearts forever, whistling his favorite tunes and showing us the way forward. Our dad will be most remembered for his wit and whimsy, sagacious life perspective, willingness to offer wisdom, and a fierce love of his family.

Dad, you fought the good fight. You lived to the highest standard of integrity and of simply being a good human, while passing these values to your children and posterity. You lived more in your life than most do in three times your years.

Rest now, Dad, and let others carry you on. Lay down your cares one final time. Mingle with your bride and all those who have gone on before you in heaven. We love you.

Remaining to cherish Dale's memory are his four children, Wendy, Stacy (Mark), Michelle (Fred), and Michael (Robin); 10 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren, Brother, Reid, and Sister Marla (Steve), along with nieces and nephews too numerous to name, but who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his princess and bride, Bobby Jean, Parents LaMar and Veneta, Sisters Barbara and Marva Rae, brothers Dwayne, Rodney, and Lewis, along with a handful of other extended family near and dear to us.

A viewing and funeral services will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Wing Mortuary in Lehi, Utah, with the viewing at noon followed by the funeral at 1 pm. Interment will be at the American Fork Cemetery at the side of his bride, Bobby Jean. Following internment, a luncheon for family and friends will be held at the LDS Church at 1680 W 700 S St, Lehi.

To help celebrate a life well lived, we ask that you send a whistle up to heaven while finding and doing good in this world. He would like that.