Madonna Rysavy, 75, died Monday, June 23, 2008 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Madonna Marie Collette was born July 28, 1932 in Grafton, ND the daughter of Wilfred and Marie (Lessard) Collette. Madonna was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic Faith in Grafton, ND.

On June 4, 1959 Madonna was united in marriage to Stanley Rysavy in Grafton, ND. The couple made their home in Whitman, ND where Stanley worked at the elevator and Madonna stayed home to care for their first two children, Wanda and Lorie. In 1961 they moved to Brooks, MN where Stanley became the manager of the elevator. Six more children were born into the family, Francine, Todd, Charline, Jamie, Paul & Pauline. Madonna was a devoted, loving wife and mother.

In 1970 the family moved to Terrebonne, MN where Madonna continued to live until the time of her death. Stanley died in 1984.

Throughout the years, Madonna enjoyed fishing with her husband and family, homemaking, gardening, canning, embroidery, snowmobiling, and was an avid collector of different keepsakes. Her embroidery pieces were lovingly handed down to her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by six children, Wanda (Tom) Opheim of Indianapolis, IN, Lorie (Paul) Schindler of Lakeville, MN, Francine Rysavy of Grand Forks, ND; Charline (Mike) McKenna of Weston, WI, Paul Rysavy of Thief River Falls, MN and Pauline (Doug) Stahl of Andover, MN; 9 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ben, Paula, Neil, Erin, Emma, Sean, Josiah, Aaron; 3 great grandchildren, Andrew, Olivia and Noah; sisters, Jeanette Nagle of Plymouth, MN and Ella Mae Collette of Grand Forks, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; children, Todd and Jamie; and sisters, Theresa, Lucille, Frances and Joy Elaine.

Accompanist: Sherry Knott
Special Music: St. Joseph Schola
Casketbearers: Tom Opheim, Paul Schindler, Doug Stahl, Neil Schindler, Joe Saladin and Adam Pleva