Janis Lynn Madsen was born July 18, 1947 in Salem, Illinois, the youngest child of Otis Paul and Ruth Vernelle (Rich) Cheeley.  

On May 1, 1976, Janis was united in marriage with Harold Dean Madsen.  Jan took on a significant responsibility, embracing the role of full-time mother to Harold’s three young children, Harold Dean Jr., Annette, and Jennifer.  On their second anniversary the couple welcomed their son, Raymond Alexander.  

Jan assisted Harold with his business, anything and everything he needed from the bookkeeping and monthly or annual taxes, to running parts in Wichita, to holding a wrench or helping lift an engine or transmission.  They truly shared their lives, although they were not inseparable, you would usually find them together.  

Jan was not only a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, but also a daughter, wife, and servant of the Lord.  Jan served with Awanas as a bookkeeper and Cubbies leader for 15 years. Both her and Harold led the Children’s Church in Wellington for almost 20 years.  Jan’s faith was strong.  She loved to travel.  She planned numerous vacations for the family throughout the years . . . vacations that allowed her, Harold, and the children to visit all 50 states! 

On February 18, 2025, Jan passed away at the Anthony Community Care Center at the age of 77.  She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Ruth Ann Smith, Ray Cheeley, and Rob Cheeley.  

Jan will be deeply missed by her husband, Harold Madsen; children: Dean (Carrie) Madsen, Annette (Shaen) O’Neal, Jennifer (Kevin) Dewey; and Alex (Katlyn) Madsen; 10 grandchildren:  Amber (Max) McLain, Michelle Madsen, Rainey Madsen, Maggie O’Neal, Caden Madsen, DJ Madsen, Danny O’Neal, Xander Hixenbaugh, Lane Dewey, and Kyson Dewey; 6 great-grandchildren: Kirkland, Quade, Remington, Rueger, Liberty, and Radian who is expected to arrive in May; and a host of other relatives and friends.  

Funeral service was held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony with Pastor Ed Hughlett.  Burial followed in Forest Park Cemetery, Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Jan may be made to the Harper Christian Church and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.