Nathan Wallace Madsen

Nathan Wallace Madsen, 49, of Idaho Falls, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on July 11, 2024, from complications following a minor surgical procedure.

Nathan was born April 25, 1975, to Brent Wallace Madsen and Marjorie Mann Madsen in Bountiful, Utah.

As the oldest of four children, he quietly paved the way for his three younger sisters, wrapping them in brotherly love, offering support, and displaying a profound ability to make peace from a young age. Nathan spent most of his childhood years exploring, learning, and growing in Corvallis, Oregon. He spent nearly every morning of his formative years rolling, bagging, and delivering The Gazette Times on his daily morning paper route. Additionally, he opted-in to weeknight selling blitzes, where he discovered a knack for gaining new subscribers. Right before his senior year of high school, his family relocated to the Washington, D.C. area, where he quickly made new friends and continued to blossom.

Nathan was a hard worker and had a heart full of service, so it wasn’t a surprise that he earned his Eagle Scout Award at the age of 14. It was around that time that he also started playing and composing on the piano. He could hear just about any song and in short order, he could play his own rendition of it on the piano. By his senior year in high school, he had enough of a repertoire to land the coveted dream job as an in-store pianist for Nordstrom. He never required sheet music, he could simply sit down and play for hours, happily taking requests in virtually every genre of music. He graduated from Centreville High School, and then attended NOVA (Northern Virginia Community College) before serving a full-time LDS mission. Following his mission, he attended Ricks College where he earned an Associate’s Degree and eventually a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from BYU-Idaho. He was also certified at Davis Applied Technology College and was awarded as top student in his class in computer graphics.

Nathan thrived as a full-time missionary in the Arizona, Phoenix Mission. He grew in confidence and humility while deepening his great love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. His faith flowed naturally into his music, and while on his mission he wrote music and lyrics for a musical fireside which he performed several times throughout the mission. While attending Ricks College, he won the school talent show for his song, Little Ballerina, which he wrote as a beautiful tribute to his wife, Becky.

On May 2, 1998, he married Rebecca Joy Reed in the Idaho Falls Temple. Nathan was a loving husband and spent much of his time loving and serving his sweet wife, Becky. They waged the storms of life together and conquered many trials and challenges. Despite many difficulties, Nathan showed unflappable courage and determination. He loved children, delighted in his employment in daycares and elementary schools, and longed to become a father, so in March of 2003 when their son, Spencer Grant Madsen, joined their family, it was an absolute dream come true. He brought so much joy to their home.

Nathan, Becky, and Spencer made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Nathan worked hard as a data specialist and sales agent winning many awards, with a distinct gift for sales. He was also a superstar cashier at Target for many years serving customers at the registers and breaking records as the “Michael Jordan of RedCards.” He began working at Melaleuca in January of this year, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was excited about his new job and loved working at the Freedom Celebration on July 4th.

Nathan was a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served using his talents in many capacities. His musical gifts blessed countless lives and his proclivity toward impromptu composing led to performances wherever he could find himself in front of a piano. From firesides at temple visitors centers, and gigs at The Roof in Salt Lake City, to intimate gatherings with friends and family, music flowed out of Nathan like breath. He recorded eight albums and his music can be enjoyed on his website nathanmadsenthepianist.com and on all major music platforms.

Nathan was such a loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. His giant heart led him to spend his life noticing the needs of others, giving service to those around him, and sharing his beautiful music. He will be deeply missed.

Nathan is survived by his wife, Becky Madsen of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Spencer Madsen of Idaho Falls, ID; parents, Brent and Margie Madsen of Fruit Heights, UT; sisters, Amanda (Aaron) Bloomfield of Mapleton, UT, Mollie (Sam) Payne of Provo, UT, and Sarah (Spencer) Evans of Millcreek, UT; parents-in-law, Robert and Beverly Reed of Idaho Falls, ID.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Danica Stacey Madsen.

Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Ammon Cemetery, 5226 E. Sunnyside Road. Due to the extreme heat, everyone is encouraged to bring a camp chair, umbrellas, and water. The family will visit with friends from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to services at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. There will be a family gathering following the services at the church building at 1860 Kearney.