Wayne Madison

Obituary:

Wayne V. Madison, 86, of Gilman, WI, died on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital with family by his side. He was born on May 20, 1939, at the family home to the late Vernon and Lucille (Evenson) Madison. Wayne grew up there, in Hannibal, Wisconsin, on Madison Avenue and graduated from Gilman High School. On July 14, 1959, he married Patricia LaFlex at Zion Lutheran Church in Gilman, WI. Wayne worked for Ben Konsella at the Gilman Sawmill. Then he hauled milk cans for Norman Wicke and worked as a mechanic in the garage in Hannibal. After marrying Pat, they moved to Bartlett, IL, where Wayne drove for Chippewa Motor Freight of Cicero, IL. In 1969, Wayne, Pat, and the boys (Denise did not come along until 1975) moved back to Gilman where they took over the family farm from Pat’s parents, Frank and Adeline. Wayne also worked in Thorp as a mechanic at the Midland Co-op. Wayne and his family continued farming until 1994 when they sold the cows. At this time, Wayne went back to driving truck part time and later worked at Tombstone Pizza in Medford until his retirement. Wayne enjoyed many things in life. He always wanted to know what the next holiday was so he could spend time with his family. Over the years, he spent many seasons hunting the Windy Acres Woods with his sons, grandsons, and nephews. Wayne never passed up an opportunity to go fishing, and he always caught the “biggest” fish. He and Pat were members of The Western Whirlers and Swingin’ Eights square dance clubs where they found life-long friends. Polka music was often on the radio during barn chores as he enjoyed a good polka dance. Wayne was always ready to go for a ride and was known to give a lift to his Amish neighbors, who he considered good friends. You always knew when Wayne was around when you heard him whistling away. Some of Wayne’s best times were singing with the guys at St. John’s Lutheran Church Fun Nights. He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Stanley, WI. Wayne is survived by his wife, Patricia; three sons Tim Madison of Warsaw, IN; Tom (Anne) Madison of Iron River, WI; Dan (Mary) Madison of Stanley; daughter Denise Madison of Stanley; two grandsons Nathaniel (Kris) Madison of Iron River, WI; Thomas (Alaina) Madison of Fall Creek, WI; great grandchildren Sydni Madison, and Justin (Lianna) Kaiser; Adelyn, Broderick, Brynlee, and Elliott Madison; great, great grandchild Cooper Kaiser; and many nieces and nephews. Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Lucille; his sister, Jean Hendricks and brother-in-law, Ray Hendricks; father-in-law and mother-in-law Frank and Adeline LaFlex; also preceded in death by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Visitation will be held from 9:00–11:30 am, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Stanley, WI. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 am with Pastor Ken Schmidt officiating. Interment will be at a later date at the Yellow River Community Cemetery on land donated by the Madison Family. Serving as Pallbearers are Nephews: Rod Hendricks, Butch LaFlex, Dave LaFlex, Gary LaFlex, and Jerry Teclaw; Grandson: Nathaniel Madison; Honorary Pallbearer-Grandson: Thomas Madison. Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family. Wayne’s family would like to thank the staff of Oakbrook Health & Rehabilitation of Thorp, WI, DaVita Dialysis of Lake Hallie, WI, and K&S Transport of Cadott, WI, for the dedication and compassion they showed Wayne while he was in their care the past four and a half years and for treating him like family. They would also like to thank Pastor Ken Schmidt for faithfully caring for Wayne spiritually.