It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ross A. Madden M.D., 85, of Dubuque, who departed this life peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center under the compassionate care of Hospice.

 A private service will be held to be followed in the spring by a Celebration of Life. Dates to be announced.

Ross was born March 27, 1940 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Kenneth and Polly (Price) Madden. He married his beloved wife Sally Echternacht on June 12, 1965 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Fort Dodge, Iowa and they shared 60 richly-lived years of marriage together.

Ross was educated at Indianola High School, Coe College, and University of Iowa Medical School. He completed his medical internship and residency in Fresno, CA. He served his country in the United States Air Force at Offutt in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Ross was a compassionate physician at Medical Associates in Dubuque from 1972 until his retirement in 2003. Ross was admired for his kindness and use of humor in practice and everyday life.  He was known for his leadership and ethics as he served as the Chief Medical Officer at Medical Associates Clinic from 1979 until 2003.  He helped create the Medical Associates Health Plan and served as the managed health plan’s president from 1981 – 1997. He was the interim Chief Executive Officer for the clinic in 1989. Additional accolades include his roles as Chairman of the Board of Medical Associates HMO and fellow of the American College of Physicians. He was Past President of the Iowa Clinical Society of Internal Medicine where he was also elected the prestigious Internist of the Year award for outstanding service to community, academia and to state/national medical organizations.  He served on the Board of Directors for Mercy ONE Hospital for 20 years. He was President, and served many years, on the Board of Directors for Bethany Home.  He also served on the DuRide Board of Directors. In 2022, the Ross Madden Award was created to be given annually to the physician with the greatest improvement in satisfaction scores.

Ross was a member and past deacon of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque for over 50 years. He also spent time as the President at the Dubuque Golf and Country Club. Ross was active for many years with the Mississippi Valley Tennis Association.

When not working, Ross cherished spending time with family and friends on the golf course, fishing, reading, and cheering for the Hawkeyes. He attended his children’s many activities and was an avid supporter of his grandchildren.  During retirement, Ross and Sally also enjoyed spending time in Estero, Florida where they made many new friends.  He had many a good laugh with his golf group there. He loved singing with the Grandezza Singers.  

Ross is survived by his devoted wife, Sally, of Dubuque; three children, Deborah (Ralph) Garofano, of Columbia, SC, Amanda (Dave) Kutoloski, of Fishers, IN, and Kent (Suzanne) Madden, of Maple Glen, PA. He was a proud and supportive grandfather of grandchildren Daniel and Erica Zippel, Tanner and Lauren Kutoloski, and Emma and Sarah Madden; and well loved by his brother, Ken (Mary) Madden; his brother-in-law, Harris McKee; and many nephews and nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Polly Madden; and his sister, Mary McKee.  His kindness, generosity, wisdom, humor and unwavering love for his family will not be forgotten.  He truly demonstrated a life well-lived.

Donations can be made to Bethany Home and Mercy One Dubuque’s Cancer Center.