Madison Kay Lapke, currently residing in Texas, and originally from La Motte, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 14, 2026. Madison was born on December 5, 1996 in Dubuque, IA. The daughter of Tom Lapke and Bonnie (Cowell) Andersen. She grew up in rural Jackson County, Iowa  with her parents and siblings, Grant, Brooke and Will. Madison attended Andrew Elementary, where she proudly was the 6th grade spelling bee champion. She received her diploma from Maquoketa High School and earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Iowa State University. Madison truly enjoyed her friendships, her sorority sisters at AGD, and being a Cyclone. Madison rounded out her educational career at Oklahoma State University, where she completed her Masters in International Agriculture, a degree that she shares with her brother Grant. Madison’s education allowed her the opportunity to experience many places around the globe including travel to Ecuador, China, Ghana, Italy, Peru, and Mexico.

In 2021, Madison became a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students [FOCUS] serving at Texas A&M-Kingsville. There she cultivated deep relationships with fellow missionaries and students on Campus and led Bible studies, which fueled her passion of bringing Jesus to others. That passion was enhanced by her ability to connect to those around her with her light-hearted humor, playful demeanor, and knowledge of scripture.

After 2 years with FOCUS she discerned and served with the Society of Our Lady of Holy Trinity (SOLT) missionary. She spent time in North Dakota and Michigan, teaching, serving, and praying with members of the community. In this season, Madison spent many hours of her day praying for family, those she loved, and often a stranger she met that morning. Madison typically ended her conversations by saying, “How can I pray for you today?”.

In early 2026, Madison moved to the Dallas Fort-Worth area, where she was able to be a nanny to her niece Sutton, spent valuable time with family,  and recently began a job as the Youth Minister at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Plano, TX.

Growing up, Madison enjoyed riding horses, 4-H, FFA, Club Hope, competing in high school rodeo, and showing livestock. She never turned down a board or card game. She loved taking the time to go for a walk, a hike, dancing, swimming, and could even be found doing the splits, or a random cartwheel. Madison had a beautiful voice, and loved to sing; at church, in the shower, in the kitchen. She delighted in singing Dixie Chicks songs with her sister Brooke. She was an incredible cook, albeit a bit messy, and especially enjoyed sharing a meal with those she loved. Madison appreciated good humor, often enhanced by her brother Will.

She took every opportunity to join a friend or family member for a car ride, cup of coffee, morning walk, or long phone call just to catch up. Her silly spirit and deep insight was always appreciated by her loved ones.

Madison lived a life of simplicity. She liked Mother Teresa’s philosophy of living for God and not the world. Her strong faith grew over the years. She gave herself completely to God, diligently serving Him here on earth, but excited to meet Jesus in heaven. Madison was an ambassador for Christ and was always sharing her faith with her family and friends. She was dedicated to praying the rosary and often left a rosary behind wherever she went.

In lieu of flowers, you can provide a donation in Madison’s honor to a charitable organization. More importantly, Madison would want you to simply say a rosary, pray for someone in need, or bring joy to stranger.

Madison is survived by her parents, Bonnie (Eric) Andersen of Maquoketa and Tom (Sally) Lapke of La Motte; her siblings, Grant (Kelsey) Lapke and their daughter, Sutton, of Dallas, TX, Brooke (Matt) Clark of Fort Worth, TX, and Will Lapke of Mediapolis,IA; her grandparents, Judy Cowell and Bernard Lapke; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Dale Cowell; her grandmother, Joanne Lapke; her uncle, Bryon “Buck” Cowell; and her uncle, Jerry Baldwin.

A funeral mass celebrating her life will be held at 10 A.M., Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 P.M., Friday, August 21, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery, Andrew, Iowa.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.