Paul Erik Madsen
Paul Erik Madsen, teacher, scientist, coach, and beloved husband, father, and morfar (grandfather), passed away unexpectedly on March 20, 2022 at age 76. He was a kind and optimistic person, deeply interested in the people in his life, ready to discuss the difficult and big ideas that motivate humanity, and often the silliest person in the room. Full of curiosity about the world around him—from the mechanics of the universe to the energy of electrons, from kicking a soccer ball and playing as a team to the relationship of words across languages—Paul found joy in learning something new, and in sharing this love for knowledge and problem solving with others. His impact as a teacher is far reaching and enduring.
Paul (birth name Poul) was born on June 5, 1945 in Århus, Denmark, son of Alfred Kristian Rudolf Madsen and Johanne Neergaard Madsen. He was a proud pupil of the city’s Læssøesgade Skole, a public school that opened in 1921 and had been occupied by German troops during World War II. As a member of the AIA sports club in Århus, Paul made strides on the soccer field and led his young team as captain. In 1958, three days shy of 13 years old, he immigrated to Forest Park, Illinois, joining family there while leaving behind family members in Denmark. He attended Proviso East High School, where he excelled academically and picked up the game of basketball. In 1964 he became a US citizen and began his freshman year at Knox College in Galesburg, IL. Paul was a standout player on the basketball court—captain of the team, the first Knox player to score more than 1,000 points in a career, and recipient of numerous other records and awards. He studied physics, was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and served as president of his senior class, giving a commencement address three days after the assassination of Senator Robert Kennedy in June 1968. The first person in his family to attend college, Paul paved the way to Knox for younger generations, including four nephews, his niece, his son, and two grandnieces. He later earned a master’s degree in physics after summer coursework at the University of Minnesota (1970–72).
On June 15, 1968, Paul wed Diane Louise Koeppel, a fellow Knox student (class of 1967) and the great love of his life. Upon graduation and marriage, Paul embarked on a career in teaching, working with students in the physics classroom for 43 years—thirty-three of those at Hinsdale South High School in Darien, IL (1968–2001). Additionally, he coached student athletes in several sports, including basketball, and was the longtime head coach of the Hinsdale South varsity girls’ soccer team. Beginning in 1983 Paul worked in the summers at Fermilab National Laboratory in Batavia, IL, assisting on large-scale experiments. The relationship with Fermilab endured for three decades; in later years Paul mentored college students and taught courses for fellow teachers. After retirement from Hinsdale South, he taught science for ten years at Rosary High School in Aurora, IL.
Outside the classroom Paul was a devoted husband of 53 years to Diane. He was a loving father and first teacher of Erik, Annelise, and Julie, and dedicated morfar (grandfather) of Thora. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Johanne Madsen, and siblings Ebba Kruse, Henny Sorensen, and John Madsen. Paul is survived by his wife Diane Madsen; son Erik Madsen (Nadine Dytko-Madsen); daughter Annelise Madsen (Jason Stipanuk); daughter Julie Madsen; granddaughter Thora Madsen Stipanuk; and sister Joan D’Alexander.
Financial aid was essential to Paul’s pathway to higher education. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift, in memory of Paul Madsen, to Knox College. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home in Downers Grove at 630-964-6500. A celebration of life will be planned for June.
So sorry for your loss Madsen family. Great to read about his accomplishments and how many lives he touched. I will miss him a lot. Sending my love.
What a great life Paul led. I know his legacy will be carried on and cherished by his amazing family. Much love to you, Madsens.
What an absolutely wonderful guy. His accomplishments in life leave a proud and lasting legacy. Thoughts and prayers to the Madsen family.
He was an amazing man. I am heartbroken for all of you.
As a friend and colleague for over thirty years at Hinsdale South, I am shocked and saddened to learn of Paul’s passing. Both of us not only began our Hinsdale South teaching careers the same year, 1968, but remained until our retirements. I feel fortunate to have spent my career with Paul, the epitome of gentleman and scholar. Paul’s professional accomplishments speak for themselves, but his true lasting legacy is the kind of person he was.
So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Paul was such a well-respected colleague at Hinsdale South. My condolences to his family and his HSHS Science family. He will be missed.❤️
I knew Paul well from Hinsdale South High school. He was always a gentleman and a scholar. I was shocked to hear of his death, a tragedy extraordinaire to us retired H. S. folks. Please accept my condolences; his was a life well lived.
I knew Paul from Knox College. He was a kind and thoughtful, as well as, an outstanding scholar and athlete. I was saddened by his unexpected passing. We were all better off for knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Rest in Peace.
Paul was a dedicated stellar teacher at Rosary H.S. His caring demeanor and sense of humor added so much to many lunch room conversations. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
I was blessed to teach with Paul during his years at Rosary. He was a dedicated teacher and could be counted on to add a bit of humor to conversation. My prayers are with Paul’s family.
Paul was a joy to know. Always had a twinkle in his eyes and kind words for all. Interesting things were always happening in his classroom and in the hallway ( slinky wave measurements). Truly will be missed. My prayers are with his family.
I loved working with Paul at Rosary. The girls loved his style and personality.. He was a great liberal thinker.. Gosh. So sorry.
Janet Dick
Paul was an amazing teacher and a wonderful colleague. His kindness was noticed every day at HSHS. My prayers are sent to his dear family.
Like everyone else, I liked and respected Paul very much. I loved his voice and wow, I never heard anyone whistle so beautifully. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
I was a student of and a member of the varsity soccer team at Hinsdale South High School for Mr. Madsen. He was an amazing teacher of physics and a great coach. He was quite and though. It wa not until I was finishing my last few weeks of Senior year that I had chosen to go to his alma mater, Knox College to play soccer. It is not until tonight , as a Knox Trustee, that I learned of his passing. My condolences to his family. He touched some many lives and made them all better.
I graduated from Hinsdale Sourh in 1985 and remember Mr Madsen very well. He was my physics teacher and he helped foster my love of science eventually leading to a successful career in nuclear engineering. I am saddened to hear of his passing and offer my condolances to his family. He was a great teacher who will be missed.