MAJ Per Ingvald Madsen USAR (Retired)

Cullum:25226


Class:'64


Cadet Company:I2


Date of Birth:November 19, 1940


Date of Death:July 11, 2020 - View or Post a Eulogy


Per Ingvald Madsen passed on July 11, 2020, at his home in Glenshaw. After nearly four score, this student, wrestler, soldier, railroader,'technowiz', volunteer and father joined the love of his life, his late wife of 40 years Marita Madsen. Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on November 19, 1940, to Ingvald and Marie (Arnold) Madsen, he moved often due to his father's military assignments prior to and during World War II. His parents settled in the North Hills of Pittsburgh after the war and Per graduated from Shaler High School in 1958 - where he excelled in wrestling and football. He first attended Virginia Military Institute for two years before transferring to the United States Military Academy at West Point graduating in 1964. Per was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. His soldiering took him throughout the world - multiple assignments in Europe, multiple bases across the United States and Vietnam. As an Airborne Ranger, he served his country with distinction in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor. During his third tour, he was seriously wounded for which he received the Purple Heart. He retired as a Major. After Per left active duty, he returned to his childhood home in Pittsburgh. Despite his disabilities, he made his hobby his livelihood through a career with Conrail - serving as an industrial engineer that enabled him to play with real trains. Conrail introduced him to computers and technology which became a second passion. Following Conrail's dissolution, this second love led him to Allegheny County's Department of Information Technology where he retired as the Chief Information Officer in 2007. Per volunteered in his community and loved to help others. He was an active mason, serving with the John E. Mair Lodge No. 729. Per was active in the West Point Society of Western Pennsylvania and served as its secretary. His love of the Academy and his desire to share his experience led him to advocate, recruit and mentor aspiring West Point cadets with the West Point Field Force. Per was an avid reader and lifelong learner. He loved to tinker and could make anything work better. He enjoyed fishing, boating and photography. He was an avid model railroader. Per was very talkative and enjoyed a good conversation. Per loved his sons, Christian and Niels who survive him. Per loved teaching them how things work, fix a motor or to simply fish. He is also survived by his sister Dorthea, and brothers Roy and Rolf. He is predeceased by his sister Nancy Navarro. Friends will be received Saturday July 25 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Bock Funeral Home, Ltd. 1500 Mt. Royal Blvd. Glenshaw followed by a graveside service at Mt. Royal Cemetery at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to West Point Society of Western Pennsylvania Per Madsen Scholarship for Patriotism or the Alzheimer's Association.

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