Bernard Anton Madden

Bernard Anton (Tony) Madden age 94 of Omaha NE passed away at his daughter’s home in Lovilia, IA on September 21, 2023. Bernard was born on the Crow Lake family farm in Jeruld County SD to Anton Leo and Sophia Frances (Petrosky) Madden. Bernard was the first born and was joined by 7 siblings: Alta Mae, Robert, Larry, Maxine, Gayle, Don, and Eugene. His family lived on the family farm until moving to Mitchell, SD. Bernard met the love of his life, Patricia Lou (Pat) Culhane, at Mitchell Lake, and married her on November 20. 1952. Bernard and Pat enjoyed 62 years together with Bernard lovingly caring for Pat when her health declined before her passing, February 15, 2015. Bernard was drafted in 1951 and served in Korea in the US Army Signal Corps until July 1952. Bernard worked for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, rose to the level of Long-Range Planning Engineer, and retired after 40 plus years of service. With frequent transfers for work he moved his young family multiple times living in Mitchell SD, North Platte NE, Rochester MN, Freemont NE, and Grand Island NE before settling in for the long haul in Omaha NE becoming forever a “Big Red” Nebraska fan. Bernard was a long-time member of St. Pius X parish and later a founding member of St. Leo’s parish in Omaha. Catholic education was a priority for him and with his wife Pat they sacrificed to send all 3 children to St. Pius X grade school and both girls to Marian Catholic High School and his son to Creighton Prep Catholic High School, all in Omaha. Bernard was proud of his backyard garden and loved eating a fresh picked tomato, whole, straight from the garden. Bernard coached his sons Little League teams for many years. His passion for the game of baseball resulted in many hours in his seat at the old Rosenblatt Stadium watching the College World Series Games. He and Pat were avid bowlers and they loved playing cards including bridge, pitch and later “31” with the great grandkids. He is well known for saying, “There is only one way to play the cards.” He was a puzzler extraordinaire, enjoying both jigsaw and crossword puzzles. He looked forward to the yearly trips to Sturgis, SD with sister Gayle and husband Phil to visit sister Maxine He enjoyed yearly trips to Lac de Mille Lac, Canada with the Tanner/Parker fishing group where he learned about catch and release. It pained him greatly to throw back “the big ones.” He was always willing to sweat and work hard helping his kids put in fence, build a cabin, or split wood. He is remembered for teaching his grandchildren to wire a house, properly roll up a sleeping bag and fix a car. He will be remembered for the plaid flannel shirts and suspenders he wore and for his affection for his truck “Old Blue.” Bernard was a loving Grand Father and Great Grand Father. He cherished all his grandchildren and great grandchildren even though he may not have always said the words. He was proud of all of them and enjoyed spending time with them, working alongside them on projects, watching their sports events, playing cards, reading books, or watching football and baseball together on TV. Bernard is Survived by: Two daughters; Dr. Deborah J. Madden (Floyd Freed) of Roseburg, OR and Victoria L. (Russ) Parker of Lovilia, IA. One son Timothy R. Madden of Mesa AZ. Two sisters; Maxine Cordes of Sturgis, SD, and Gayle (Phil) Baker of Hartford City, IN. One brother-in-law; Fr. Alberic Culhane St. Johns College Collegeville MN, and one sister-in-law Elaine (Don) Dubej of Rapid City SD. Bernard leaves behind 11 grandchildren; Jacob (Chrissy) Parker, Jessica (Joe) Whitman, Gabe (Jill) Parker, Brittany (Andy) Johnson, Joe Parker, Joseph (Caroline) Evans, Jaclyn (Marty) Ginder, Shawn (Linda) Madden, Aaron, Sarah, and Chris Amos. 17 youngsters call him Great Grand Pa; Aaron, Ryan, and Madison Evans; McCoy and Emmet Ginder; Hannah, and Norah Blanchett; Miya, and Maysen Parker; Nik Johnson; Parker, Caleb, Benjamin, and Adi Whitman; Brenna, Will and June Parker. Bernard is Proceeded in death by: His parents Anton and Sophia (Petrosky) Madden. His loving wife of 62 years Patricia Lou (Culhane) Madden. Four brothers; Robert, Larry, Don, and Eugene. One sister; Alta Mae Mc Clelland, brothers-in-law Johnny Cordes, Bob Mc Clelland, sister-in-law Claire Madden, daughter-in-law Jodie Madden and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Bernard will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. Visitation will be held on Saturday September 30, 2023, from 9:00 – 11:00 am followed immediately by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 11:00am. All services will be at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, 116 Benton Ave. West, Albia, IA. Military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose will follow the service. Those unable to come to Iowa are invited to join the family at Calvary Cemetery, Chapel of Apostles Mausoleum (Peter & Paul), 7710 West Center Road Omaha, NE on Monday, October 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. as the family lays Bernard to rest beside his loving wife, Pat. Memorials have been established to St. Pius/St. Leo’s Catholic Grade School in Omaha, NE; Crow Lake Cemetery in South Dakota; or EveryStep Hospice.

Bernard Anton Madden

January 3, 1929 - September 21, 2023