Dennis Allen Madsen, 75

We are saddened to announce that Dennis Allen Madsen, 75, of Smelterville, Idaho, passed away Aug. 25, 2024, in Boise, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Catherine (Jo) Madsen; brothers Eugene and Gerald (Gerry); and sister Christiana Chilson. He was also preceded by his wife, Linda Beryl Madsen, and leaves behind his sons, Anthony and Jeremy Madsen. 

Dennis was born in Wilmot, S.D., on Aug. 31, 1948. He grew up around farms in his early years and developed a passion for the outdoors, good food and hard work. There, he developed his love of hunting and fishing, which led him to a degree in agriculture from South Dakota State.  

He met the love of his life in his wife, Linda, and the two were able to spend over 50 years enjoying life together and raising two sons before her passing last year. They eloped and moved to the Silver Valley after visiting his brother here and falling in love with the mountains. He spent a career in the mining industry from Bunker Hill, Sunshine and Formation Metals in the silver refinery. He was always a hard worker, developed friends among his coworkers and looked upon to lead and train new team members.

He hunted and fished from South Dakota through his life and retirement in the Silver Valley. His wife, Linda, regularly bragged about his cooking, and he enjoyed making meals for family and friends. He regularly kept the freezer full of the game from his fishing and hunting. He loved fishing at Cave Lake each spring and taking the boat to Rose Lake in the summer. He especially enjoyed catching and eating the crappie that was caught. He was generous and liked to share fish he caught from fish fries, feeding all his friends in college and giving away fish to neighbors, coworkers and friends in the Silver Valley. He also loved sports, from playing basketball and baseball as a kid, softball and golf as an adult to watching sports throughout his life. He supported all the northwest sports teams and was a passionate fan of Gonzaga basketball. He and his sons regularly enjoyed texting during the games, even when they couldn't watch together.

Dad, we will miss you, but we are thankful you are in a better place with Mom. Thank you for all you taught us and the values you have instilled in us. We know you will always be with us when we watch our favorite sports and enjoy fishing.

Memories of Dennis and messages of condolence may be shared with his family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Madsen family with arrangements.