Douglas Riley Madden, 79, of Gaylord, passed away at his home, on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
He was a Gaylord community icon, well-respected businessman, and friend to everyone he ever met. Doug found joy in the simplest of pleasures, tinkering in his garage, taking a slow boat cruise around Big Lake, golfing with his buddies, or drinking a beer with a friend. But nothing made his eyes sparkle more than spending time with his family, especially his wife, Pam, to whom he was devoted for nearly 53 years.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Gilardy Madden; son, William “Bo” Madden; daughter, Shannon (Christopher) Madden-Lennertz; his cherished grandchildren, Niamh and Vesper Lennertz; two siblings, Kathryn Madden, and Kenneth (Donna) Madden; sisters-in-law, Anne (Glenn) Gilardy Friedly and Amy (Jim) Andrews, and his many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bryan Cyrus and Roberta Helen (Fuller) Madden; and his sister, Phyllis (Madden) Regan.
The warm memories and loving stories of Doug are bountiful; to know him, was to love him. He made this world a better place, and he will be missed desperately.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 10, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary Cathedral, 606 N. Ohio Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735. Visitation will begin at St. Mary Cathedral, at 10:00 a.m.
The Funeral Mass will be available online via the St. Mary Cathedral website. A link is provided below Doug’s picture.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Cathedral Schools, 606 N. Ohio Ave., Gaylord, MI, 49735, or to the Otsego County Community Foundation, PO Box 344, Gaylord, MI 49734.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
21 comments on “Douglas R. Madden”
My sincere condolences to the Madden family. Big hugs to you Pam🙏❤️
Pamela and family so sorry to here of Doug’s passing he was such a caring person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you.
Doug was the most loving warm husband and father and friend to all. Our hearts go out to Pam, his wife and Bo & Shannon his children, and all who loved him. May he rest in peace, and have endless golf in Heaven, where I’m sure he is with all who loved him and went before him!!!!
Dear Madden family,
So sorry for your loss. Doug always had a smile and was one of the nicest people. May your memories give you comfort.
RIP Doug.
Ernie and Jackie Wcisel
Madden family – the Lappan Family are thinking of you during your time of loss.
Pam,
My thoughts and prayers for the family. Doug was a super guy and a great friend of my dad. He will be missed by the community and all who knew him.
Pam and family, we are so sorry to hear this very sad news.
Doug was a wonderful person. We are setting here thinking of all the great fun, wonderful times we had with Doug & you, Jerry & Margaret and
Harry and Chris.
Thinking of you all,❤️🙏
Dear Pam, Bo, & Shannon,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Doug. He was a true friend and a stellar person. I have many fond memories of our days living in Gaylord. God Bless you all.
Billy Borst
Dear Pam, Bo, & Shannon,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Doug, He was a great friend and wonderful man. I have many fond memories of our days in Gaylord especially the time we went mushroom hunting and he had to wear a pair of my levis which were about 6 inches too short.
God Bless you all,
Billy Borst
Dear Pam, Shannon, and Bo,
I am so sorry! Doug was a great guy. I have fond memories of him on the golf course, pulling up on his cart with a cooler of beverages and the radio playing. Sending hugs and praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Pam, You and your family are in my thoughts. I will pray that you all are surrounded by peace, and despite your sadness , memories of Doug will make your heart smile.
Alexis Masley
My condolences to the entire Madden family. I got to chat with Doug more than a few times at the dealership and he was always super nice to talk with.
RIP Doug
Pam and Family:
I was ao sorry to hear about Doug’s passing. I know he was loved and respected by all he knew. He surely will be missed in this community.
Ed Sandri
Pam, I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I pray your memories of him will help heal your heart.
Rick and Robbin Nedow
Pam and family, I was so sorry to hear this news. I’ve always enjoyed knowing that he and you were just across the water from us on Big Lake. He always made me laugh when I saw him. One time when I was new to Big Lake one of our boats drifted away. I called him very worried that I had lost our boat. He was so mattered of fact—easy going. He said where’s it going to go? It will float till it lands and then You can go get it! Made sense but it also made me laugh. Never forget his words of wisdom. He was a great guy and will be missed. Thinking of you.
We were shocked and saddened to hear this news. We are thinking of your family with lots of love. Will try to come to the visitation and service on Friday. Until then, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pam and Family- we want to extend our condolences to you all with Doug’s passing. May you find strength and healing from the love and support of friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan and Mary Kuffel
Mrs. Madden, so sorry to hear of Mr. Maddens passing he was such a fun, kind man. Prayers to your family.
Pam and family. Saddened to hear about Doug. He was a great husband, father, and friend. He will be missed by everyone.
One of the nicest man I have known. May he rest at peace.
Dear Pam and Family,
I first met Doug at your wedding, 53 years ago! And since then, we have shared many special memories and milestones with you both and Anne and Jon. We will always remember Doug with great fondness and smiles. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Love, Kathy and Peter