Wayne Melvin Madsen 1932-2008
Wayne Melvin Madsen passed away Saturday, April 26, 2008 at El Dorado Manor in Trenton, Nebraska. He was 75 years old. NGWA extends its sympathies to the Madsen family and friends on their loss.
A career water well pump installer known for his professionalism and promptness, Madsen was an active member of the Nebraska Well Drillers Association, where he served as president for a number of years; he was also a member of NGWA. Madsen volunteered countless hours serving on planning and advisory boards for the Groundwater Foundation and helped implement several ground water appreciation programs. He organized and participated in educational events for children's festivals and adult education forums sponsored by the Groundwater Foundation and Cooperative Extension Agency of the University of Nebraska. He also served on the Nebraska Well Standards and Contractors Licensing Board, having been appointed by the governor to represent pump installation contractors. He was also appointed by the governor to serve on the Natural Resources Commission representing ground water interests.
Madsen's career spanned four decades of public meetings including legislative hearings in Nebraska's Unicameral, state regulators' meetings, educational workshops conducted by NWDA and Nebraska Natural Resources Commission Board of Directors of Nebraska. He also walked the halls of the U.S. Congress with other water well industry leaders from around the nation. He was awarded the Maurice Kremer Groundwater Achievement Award in 2000. In December of 2006, Madsen's 45 years of dedication, respect, and love for the ground water industry were recognized when he was awarded NGWA's Life Member Award.