Madlyn Mae Manders

Madlyn Mae (Wendorf) Manders passed away on Thursday, July 24th, 2025, at Galeon Senior Living in Osakis, Minnesota at the age of 97. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 1st, 2025, at Osakis Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Osakis, Minnesota immediately following the service.

Madlyn was born April 29, 1928, in Meyer, Minnesota and was welcomed by her parents, Martin and Lucille (Engelke) Wendorf and brother, Walton. The family soon moved to Osakis, Minnesota, where she grew up on her parent’s farm and graduated from Osakis High School in 1946.

Madlyn worked for Dr. J.A. Jacobson for a year as a dental assistant, and during 1947 she met and married LeRoy “Bud” Manders. The couple moved to Minneapolis where she then worked for AT&T telephone company as a clerical typist for several years. To this union two children, Linda and Bruce, were born and Madlyn was a caregiver for the children all her life. After 35 years in Minneapolis, Bud and Madlyn retired and moved back to Osakis. In 1956, they built a cabin and spent many special times there with family; they loved being by the water. Alongside her beloved husband, Bud, she embarked on a journey that saw them travel across the United States and Alaska in their motorhome for an enriching span of 12 years. This shared adventure was a testament to their bond and their zest for life, capturing memories and landscapes that would be cherished forever.

Madlyn was a member of the Osakis Lutheran Church and active in her circle. She loved gardening, oil painting, and traveling. Above all, Madlyn cherished her role as a caregiver, dedicating herself to her family with unwavering love and commitment. Madlyn is survived by her daughter, Linda, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bud (2020); son, Bruce (1970); her parents; brother, Walton; sister-in-law Toddy (Stevens); and niece, Colette Wendorff.