Marlene “Jean” Madison passed away on Saturday June 20, 2026 with her family by her side. She was 89. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Boniface Church on Thursday June 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM with Rosary at 9:30 AM all held at the church.

Jean was born in Sioux City on August 28, 1936, the daughter of Harry and Elizabeth (Perrett) Bennett. She graduated from Heelan High School in 1954, and on October 26, 1957, she married Edwin G. Madison. Together they raised six children. They later divorced. Jean worked at Interbake Foods for 27 years, retiring in 2001.

Jean was a longtime member of St. Boniface Parish, and she happily volunteered while her children attended school there. She enjoyed traveling, especially visiting her children in Wisconsin, Nevada, and Colorado. She was an avid bingo player and loved the fun of the slot machines, where the lights and sounds always brought a smile to her face. She held a special fondness for her trips to Las Vegas.

Jean was blessed with a remarkable talent for crocheting and knitting, creating blankets and keepsakes that expressed her love for those closest to her.

Jean never missed an opportunity to cast her ballot and proudly supported her community. She served as a poll worker in her precinct for many years.

Jean was a caring and generous person who will be greatly missed.

Jean is survived by her children, Tammie Ellingson (Mark) of Amherst Junction, WI, Angie Vaul (Art) of Sioux City, Edwin Paul Madison (Renae) of Sioux City, Mary O’Dea (Tim) of Erie, CO, Dottie Cullison (Eddie) of Manilla, IA, and John Madison of Sioux City; siblings, Harriette Fleming of Portland, OR and Harry “Bud” Bennett of Southern California; grandchildren, Tony (Angie) Vaul, Amber (Nick) Vaul, Andrew (Rosalva) Vaul, Nicole (Mike) Olhausen, all of Sioux City, IA, Ashleigh O’Dea of Thornton, CO, and Brandon (Emily) Madison of Spirit Lake, IA; 12 great grand-children, Ethan, Emily, Dominic, Alexandria, Nate, Andrew, Magarita, Jazmine, Makenna, Graham, Hallie, Nile and 2 great-great grandchildren, Waylan and Parker.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Patty Bennett and Don Bennett; and grandsons, Torin O'Dea and Kieran O'Dea.