1932 – 2025
Salina, Utah – Our beloved father, brother, neighbor and friend, Arlen Leon Madsen, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025 in the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins.
Arlen was born at the Salina Hospital on January 14, 1932 to Phillo Leon and Violet Myrle Jensen Madsen. He attended North Sevier High school, playing baseball, basketball, tennis, and track. He graduated with the class of 1950. Arlen met the love of his life, Sheron Harward, and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti LDS Temple on June 12, 1952. Arlen enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the military police for four years during the Korean Conflict. After completing his tour of duty, he and Sheron settled down in Salina where they lived and raised a family, enjoying associations with family and friends together until Sheron’s passing on June 25, 2017.
Arlen lived a life of service and consistently demonstrated a concern for the welfare of others. He was Salina’s postmaster from 1967 until he retired in 1992. He also served as a chaplain in the American Legion. He was an active and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings including: Bishop, a counselor in many bishoprics, on the high council, as a ward and stake clerk, MIA president, counselor in the Sunday school presidency, and as a high priest group leader.
Arlen loved spending time outside, traveling, and being with people. He was friendly and gentle. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and sports. He pitched for the Salina 2nd Ward’s baseball team for 8 years and his team won the All Church Championship in 1965 and won the consolation bracket the year before. He was renowned for his conscientious and hardworking nature. He was a born perfectionist and approached every task with an efficient and meticulous nature. He held himself to a high standard, always striving to be punctual. If he wasn’t 15 minutes early, he considered himself late. He is loved by his family and will be greatly missed until they are reunited with him again.
Arlen is survived by his children: Marcia (Neal) Bosshardt of Redmond; Clair (Cindy) Madsen of Riverton; Diane (Wayne) Decker of Cedar City; Eugene (Michelle) Madsen of Ivins; a brother: Gail (Mary Ann) Madsen of Aurora; 24 grandchildren; 69 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 29, 2025 in the Salina LDS Stake Center, where friends may call for viewing from 9:30-10:30 A.M. prior to the services.
Burial with military honors accorded by the Salina American Legion Post #36 and the United States Air Force Honor Guard will be in the Salina Eastside Cemetery, under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
Online guestbook at springerturner.com
