Leonard Kay Madsen, age 96, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at 3:15 a.m. Born on January 12, 1929, in Provo, Utah, Kay was the son of Alvetta Alger Madsen and Leonard Madsen. He was the third of four children and grew up surrounded by the love of his siblings. He was preceded in death by his sister Beth Zohner and brother Richard Alger Madsen, and is survived by his younger sister Kathleen Madsen.

Kay was raised in Vineyard, Utah, back when it was nothing more than a small farming community beside Geneva Steel. Growing up on the family farm shaped much of who he became—hardworking, dependable, and eager to learn. From milking cows to harvesting wheat, Kay could be found helping with chores at a young age. He began driving a tractor by the time he was eight years old.

He attended Spencer Elementary School, where his lifelong love of sports became evident. If there was a ball involved, Kay was playing it. Kay later graduated from Lincoln High School, where he met the love of his life, Maurine. Though he was smaller than many athletes, his talent and determination stood out. Kay and Maurine met in the 10th grade. At one point another girl began showing interest in Kay—something Maurine wasn't about to let pass. She stepped in, and as the family loves to say, "the rest is history."

Kay was an all-around athlete, participating in football, basketball, softball, baseball, track, javelin, and pole-vault. He once took first place in pole vault at the Alpine Games—although no one else competed, a story he loved to laugh about. He earned a scholarships for football at Southern Utah University where he completed one whole semester. Realizing he couldn't risk another man moving in on his sweetheart, he returned home to marry Maurine.

A rule follower through and through, Kay respected authority and structure. Once, on Halloween, Maurine wanted to attend a midnight movie preview, but Kay refused—his coach had told the team to go to bed early before the next day's game. The next morning he learned the entire team had gone, a story that remained a family classic.

Kay married Maurine on April 7, 1947, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they chose to build their home on a foundation of faith as devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Family home evenings, church attendance, family reunions, and vacations were cornerstones of their family life.

They welcomed their first two children—Christine (1950) and Janice Vee (1953). While working at Geneva Steel, a strike opened an unexpected door: Kay was offered the chance to sell cookware door-to-door for more than the strike pay. This decision changed the entire course of his life. He quickly discovered he was a natural salesman.

In 1955, the family moved to Idaho Falls, where Kay opened a branch of Modern Soft Water, becoming a business owner. In 1960, he and his partner Earl Johnson expanded the company to Great Falls, Montana. There, Kay excelled in leadership roles both in business and the church community, and even won the state handball tournament. Surprise surprise. During these years, Kay and Maurine struggled to grow their family and learned to recognize the hand of God in their lives. After much prayer, their daughter Kari was born—the first of several miracles. Their next miracle was the addition of Tim On April 7th 1966.

In 1971, feeling strongly prompted to return to Utah, Kay purchased the Beltone Hearing Aid franchise for southern Utah County. He had been offered a significant hospital administrator position in Montana but chose to follow spiritual guidance instead. After building a large home—despite having only two children left at home—his family expanded again with the additions of Rick, Pamela, Laura, Valerie, Dirk, and Matthew.

An especially meaningful chapter of Kay's working life was Restoration Unlimited. He owned this business during the time the families were merged. Some would say this is the company that helped pay for the new additions. Kay and his son Tim became partners when Tim began working as a young man, a partnership that continued up to the present day. Kay took great pride in building a business that allowed him to employ family members, and he was deeply grateful to have a son who was willing—and excited—to carry on the family business. This partnership was more than work; it was a reflection of Kay's belief in family, trust, and working side by side with those he loved.

Kay held many church callings throughout his life and served faithfully wherever he was needed. He had the privilege of serving as a bishop three times—once in Great Falls, Montana, and twice in the Windsor 4th Ward. His life was marked by devoted church service, and he often said that every man should have the chance to be a bishop, a role that shaped him deeply and strengthened his love for the people he served. Kay and Maurine served a mission together in Tacoma, Washington from 1992–1994. In 1993, Maurine was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and Kay lovingly cared for her for ten years until her passing on October 6, 2006.

Through his sister Kathleen, Kay reconnected with a longtime family friend, Maridel Rhodina Kusch. They rediscovered companionship and love after loss and married on September 22, 2007. They shared more than 18 beautiful years together—years full of friendship, laughter during card games, devotion, and the gentle happiness of finding love again in life's later chapters.

When the more physically demanding sports became difficult, Kay found new enthusiasm in bowling. He joined a bowling league and developed a deep love for the sport, especially cherishing the tradition of bowling with his family every Thanksgiving. These hobbies brought him laughter, friendship, and joy throughout his later years. One of Kay's greatest joys was golfing, a passion he embraced all the way up until he could no longer walk. Several courses made special accommodations for him, even allowing him to drive his personal cart right up to the green so he could continue playing the game he loved. He even got the opportunity to play at Pebble Beach with his son in law Robert.

During the last several years of his life, Kay's health required frequent hospitalizations, and his family often said, "This might be his last year," for nearly five years running. Through each of those moments, his grandchildren showed extraordinary love, dedication, and tenderness. They sat by his side in hospitals, advocated for his care, comforted him through difficult nights, and ensured he always felt surrounded by family. Their devotion was a reflection of the love and security Kay had spent a lifetime giving to them.

Another constant throughout Kay's life was his deep love of music. No matter what challenges he faced or what season he was in, music flowed through his days and lifted his spirit. It was often said that he was the Chautenettes' biggest groupie, always their most loyal fan and happiest supporter. Some of his sweetest memories were made singing with his family—whether driving together in the car or gathered at home—filling their lives with harmony, laughter, and connection. Music brought him joy, comfort, and a sense of togetherness that stayed with him throughout his entire life.

Kay is preceded in death by his beloved wife Maurine and is survived by his wife Maridel Rhodina Kusch. He is survived by Maridel Rhodina Madsen (wife), Kathy Madsen (sister), Christine & Robert Papworth, Jan & Jim Hulse, Rick & Cheryl Madsen, Pam Irving, Laura & Eric Reimschiissel, Dirk Madsen, Valerie Phelon, Kari & Daryl McCoy, Mathew Madsen, Tim & Jenae Madsen. And a remarkable posterity of 33 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom carries his legacy of faith, humor, hard work, and love.

Kay lived a long and meaningful life—full of Faith, service, family, adventure, laughter, and unwavering loyalty. From hunting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness with his beloved dog Dude, to cheering on generations of children and grandchildren in their pursuits, his presence blessed countless lives.

He will be remembered for his steady faith, his gentle heart, his stories, his devotion to family, and his firm belief that God's hand was always guiding his life.

To view the service online for Kay please click here. www.walkersanderson.com