June E. Madden, 96, of Rensselaer, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at George Ade Memorial Health Care Center in Brook. She was born in Brook on August 27, 1920, daughter of Ernest and Verna (Ulyat) Nelson. She graduated from Brook High School with the Class of 1938 and was a lifelong area resident. On June 7, 1945, in Rensselaer, she married Will Earl “Bill” Madden. He preceded her in death on September 3, 1988.

June was a homemaker. She also worked as a beautician for several years. She and her husband Bill helped develop Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area in Newton County. She loved animals and wildlife. She had served as a Girl Scout Leader and 4-H Leader and was a member of Home Ec. and Bunco clubs. She was an avid reader and enjoyed cleaning and staying busy.

June is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Madden of Rensselaer, and one brother, Harold “Tony” Nelson of Brook. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, and three brothers.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 8, 2017 from 12 p.m. until time of funeral service at 2 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Rev. Wayne Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Jasper County or Newton County animal shelters. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.