Korinne Joanne Madsen

Korinne was born in Meiganga, Cameroon, Africa to Lutheran Missionaries, Andrew & Margaret Okland (nee.Coltvet). She spent her childhood in Africa, visiting extended family in Norway and Iowa when on furlough. Korinne moved to Iowa at age 16. She received her bachelor’s degree from Waldorf College and attended Lutheran Bible Institute. After college, she worked as a teacher in Papua New Guinea and Australia before returning to the US. She later received a master’s degree in Special Education from Western Oregon University

Korinne moved to La Grande, Oregon and worked as a Special Education Teacher for the Union County Education Service District traveling between schools. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church teaching Sunday school, directing youth choir, attending lay person retreats, serving as church secretary, and singing in the choir.

On May 30, 1976 Korinne married fellow parishioner Alvin D. Madsen and became the mother of his five teen-aged children. Korinne loved music. She had a beautiful soprano voice and played several instruments. She loved reading and writing letters to friends and family and supported missions and relief organizations around the world. During her life she was fluent in 5 languages. Along with her huge and generous heart, she will be remembered for her love for her family, friends and animals - especially her cats, her unique and fun sense of humor, and most of all her strong and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

She is survived by children; Mitch & Nancy Madsen of Ridgefield, WA; Jeff & Cindy Madsen of La Grande; Kristi & Kenny Cason of Shavano Park, TX; Teresa and David Hall of Gresham and Eric and Jeannie Madsen of Elgin along with14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and hundreds of cousins. Korinne was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Zion Lutheran Church, 902 4th Street, La Grande, OR on Saturday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m. A private interment will be held April 7 at Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her honor to the Sustainable Income - Africa Missionaries project at:

Wycliffe Bible Translators

P.O. Box 628200

Orlando, FL 32862

https://www.wycliffe.org/projects/sustainable-income-africa-missionaries-1