Robert Ellsworth Madsen

Robert Ellsworth Madsen, 90, of Rigby, died Monday, April 25, 2011, at his home. He was born May 14, 1920, in Rigby, Idaho, to Loyal Matthew Madsen and Eileen Leonora Ellsworth Madsen. He was raised and attended schools in Rigby, graduating from Rigby High School. He served in the US Army during WWII and The Korean Conflict. On August 17, 1941, he married Betty Ruth Lindsay in Rigby; their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple. Bob worked for the US Postal Service for 30 years and was the first mail carrier in Rigby. He also worked as a meat cutter for Safeway, Dean Skinner and for other private individuals. Bob was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in several capacities, including High Priest Group Leader, and as Bishop of the Rigby 4th Ward. He was a member of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association and was a member of the Board of Directors for the Farnsworth Museum. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on his cabin in Palisades. He enjoyed wood working, carpentry and working in his garden. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy (Duane) Burton, of Syracuse, Utah, Georgia L. Smith of Idaho Falls, Margo A. (Bryan) Dansie Sr., of Rigby; a sister, Margaret Hodges, of Rigby; a brother, Kenneth Madsen, of Idaho Falls; 9 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; a sister; and 4 brothers. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 2011, at the Rigby LDS Stake Center, 258 W. 1st N., Rigby, with Bishop John Schell, conducting. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Friday evening and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., prior to services, both at the stake center. Burial will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery, under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.