Arlo Bruce Madsen, better known as “Bruce” by his family and friends, was born January 29, 1947 in Kadoka, South Dakota to John Chris and Esther Joyce (Struble) Madsen and grew up in Interior, South Dakota. He was the youngest of four children.
Bruce graduated from Interior High School in 1965 and was proud to be an Interior Cub. He started his career while in high school working for Kieth and Dorothy Crew at Prairie Homestead, and after graduating high school, he and brother Dewey decided to venture to Wyoming for a summer of construction work. He then moved to Kadoka and worked for eight years for the South Dakota DOT. Bruce became the Sheriff of Jackson County in 1975 and continued his career for 34 ½ years and retired in June of 2009 as the Jackson County Sheriff. Of course, he could not just retire and stay home so he became a part-time mail route driver for Sanftner Mail from 2009 to May 2020.
He was a member of the SD Sheriff’s Association, SD Peace Officers Association, Kadoka Lions Club, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Kadoka Trap Club, Kadoka Buffalo Stampede, KCBA, Friend of 4H, and member and past deacon of Concordia Lutheran Church.
He was an avid Kougar fan and was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He never met a stranger, loved to visit and drink coffee, and would do anything for anyone. He helped a countless number of people in his 34 ½ years as Jackson County Sheriff.
In January of 1970 he met Bonnie Lou Bouman, and they were united in marriage June 5, 1970. To this 50-year union were born four children: John, Jackie, Jeff, and Janelle.
Bruce loved country life and was always working with horses even when he lived in town. Bruce and Bonnie moved out on “The Hill” in August of 2008 where he continued to reside until his death. He had a “million-dollar view” of the Badlands and Kadoka lake and enough land for his horses and dogs. He will be immensely missed by his family and all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife Bonnie of Kadoka; two sons John (Sarah) Madsen and Jeff (Katherine) Madsen both of Kadoka; two daughters Jackie (Casey Jensen) Stilwell of Kadoka and Janelle Madsen Popwell of Wellington, Texas; five grandchildren: Shanee Popwell, Mason and Madison Stilwell, and Victoria and Alexandria Madsen; one brother Chris (Pat) Madsen of Presho; one sister Marjorie (Eugene) Brookens of Chester; sisters-in-law Judy Madsen of Hot Springs and Connie (Arnie) Hill of White River; brothers-in-law Bob Bouman of White River, Ronnie (Donna) Bouman of White River, and Bill (Sheryl) Bouman of Kadoka; sister-in-law Kim (Al) Kochersberger of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents John Chris and Esther Joyce Madsen; grandson McKenzie Stilwell; twin brother and sister Chris Harold and Bonna Belle Joyce Madsen; brother Dewey Madsen; and brother-in-law Jim Bouman.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, at the City Auditorium in Kadoka.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, at the Kadoka City Auditorium with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment will follow at the Kadoka Cemetery.
Cards and memorials can be sent to:
Bonnie Madsen
P.O. Box 52
Kadoka, SD 57543
Guest Book
We met Bruce 33 years ago when we moved to Kadoka. He always greeted everybody with a smile. Now he and Gary can continue to "shoot the breeze" together. Peace and prayers to the family.
~ Margo R
Kadoka (5/27/2021)
Sending prayers and hugs from our family to yours.
~ Lloyd and Dianna Bohannon
Wellington, Texas (5/30/2021)
We are so sorry to hear that Bruce has passed away. His family and mine go back a long ways. In fact, Bruce is named after my step-father Bruce Dunker. Sending our love and sympathy to all the Madsen family. RIP Bruce.
~ Ron and Marilyn Gartner
INTERIOR (5/29/2021)
Bruce was just an all around good guy. I will never forget when he bought Roany. Every time we seen each other we would talk about that horse. RIP Bruce.
~ Connie Twiss
Interior SD (6/3/2021)
~ Betty Amiotte
Rapid City, SD (5/28/2021)
So sorry to hear that you left us Bruce. Will always remember our days of youth. Say hi to all our old classmates who left before us blessings
~ Larry
Myrtle beach s c (8/14/2021)
Bonnie and Family, Chris and I are so sorry to hear of your loss, may God be with all and give you His peace and comfort.
~ Diana Elwood
Volborg, MT (5/28/2021)
So sorry to hear about Bruce. He was such a nice guy and easy to visit with. We will always remember sharing a table with the two of you at Frontier Days. Our deepest sympathy to you, Bonnie, and all of your family. Phoebe & Danny
~ Dan & Phoebe Krogman
White River, SD (5/27/2021)
So sorry to hear about Bruce you all are in my thoughts and prayers, know he will be greatly missed.
~ Gaynold Willoughby
Midland, SD (5/28/2021)
It is hard to lose a friend. Our hearts go out to Bonnie and families. He was great friend to whoever met him. We are going to miss his humor and smiling spirit. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families.
~ Jerome and Theresa High Horse
Wanblee, SD (5/28/2021)
I am so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathy to the family! Bruce could sure make me laugh!
~ Jennifer Cummings
Stuy (5/28/2021)
The Badlands area lost another great one. Enjoying growing up in Interior with the Madsen family.
~ Tim Lester
Austin, TX (5/30/2021)
We were so sorry to hear about Bruce. He was such a great guy. We had lots of fun get togethers at Frontier Days. I smile when I think of the time you were going to be at a fish fry at the bar in WR and we hopped in our car and drove from Sioux Falls to join you there. Sending Love and hugs!!
~ Deanna & Carl Murra
White River (5/28/2021)
Sending hugs to all of you. Bruce was a special person
~ Linda & Merle Stilwell
Kadoka (5/28/2021)
Such a great guy, so sorry for your loss.
~ Marie Pederson
Black Hawk (6/5/2021)
Sending my prayers, condolences and love to you all
~ Yolanda
Presho (6/1/2021)
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
~ Darlene & Rod Cudmore
FORT PIERRE (5/28/2021)
Bonnie & Family, Sorry to hear about your loss of Bruce. Thinking of you! Take care!
~ Janice Ellis
White River, SD (5/27/2021)
Bonnie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Bruce. Always a nice visit.
~ Jeff Stilwell
Mastic Beach, NY (5/29/2021)
SD
~ Clinton and Karla Herman
Chamberlain (6/4/2021)
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
~ Benson & Betty Long
Wellington, Texas (5/28/2021)
A life well lived and so many people that he helped along the way. I can't remember not knowing Bruce. I always enjoyed visiting with him.
May you feel the love of your family and friends in your time of grief.
Hugs!
Michelle Butler
~ Michelle Butler
Philip SD (5/30/2021)
So sorry Bonnie. You have been on my mind since I heard Bruce was not well. Prayers to you and yours.
~ Linda Harvey
Interior, SD (5/28/2021)
Prayers for all. Bruce was a good man.
~ Joann Stark
1608 F Street #103 (5/27/2021)
Many memories with Bruce -- long time friend and just plain good guy. So sorry for all of his family. Prayers for all of you. Rest in peace Bruce, good servant rewarded in Jesus arms.
~ Grady and Bernice Crew
Interior (5/31/2021)
In January of 1975, Bruce Madsen became the rookie Jackson County Sheriff and I became the rookie Jackson County States Attorney. Jackson County didn't know what peril it was in. I likely had low expectations of Bruce, and I'm sure he had low expectations of me, but we learned our jobs well, and seemed to handle the busy criminal case load there. He was pleasure to work with, and we made a good team. I guess thereafter we both got into ruts--he was Sheriff for over 34 years, and I was the longest serving SD US Attorney, and the longest serving member of the National Indian Gaming Commission. I guess those early lessons we learned together served us well.
RIP Sheriff Bruce
~ Philip Hogen
11312 N HIGH MEADOWS DR (6/3/2021)
Bonnie, We are so sorry for your loss. Bruce was a very special cousin and we will miss him greatly.
~ LaRee & Richard Lorenz
Newcastle Wyoming (5/29/2021)
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family
~ Lana Hill
Whitewood SD (5/28/2021)
We're sending our prayers for you and the family Bonnie! May our Lord give you strength and Peace!! Love to you all!!
~ Grant and Susan Patterson
Kadoka (5/27/2021)
My sympathy to you and all your family. Randy Evans
~ Randy evans
Garden city, ks (6/2/2021)
Bonnie, John, Jackie, Jeff , and Janelle,
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am to hear of Bruce's passing. I have known Bruce for my whole life. He was the "across the ditch" neighbor who worked with mom at the courthouse for many many years. He was the "peace keeper" for Jackson Co, who could just talk to people and calm them down. He would entertain the kids...and call them "Pete" and have a stick of gum or a piece of candy ready for them. Bruce was so many things to so many people and he had a heart of gold for everyone. Bruce cared about the Kadoka community and would always lend a helping hand wherever he could. I know he is no longer suffering or in pain but it sure doesn't make it easier for the loved ones left here on Earth. I am sure going to miss seeing him around. Bruce was one heck of a guy!! Condolences to all of you. I love you guys.
~ Ellie (Brown) Bettelyoun
Martin (5/27/2021)
SD
~ Clinton and Karla Herman
Chamberlain (6/4/2021)
Thinking of you. With deepest sympathy.
~ Ron Letellier
Sturgis, SD (5/27/2021)