Obituary for Robert C Madison

Robert C Madison was born February 20, 1936 in Creston, IA to Orville and Ethel Madison. Robert had three brothers and one sister. He went to and graduated from Creston school. 

After graduating High School, Robert went on to Drake University and earned his teaching degree. While teaching at Eddyville, IA he met Jorita Yochum and they married in 1961 in Ottumwa, IA. In 1963 had their first daughter, M Leanne Madison – following up with another daughter in 1966, Kari Madison. 

By this time the Madison’s had made their home in Carlisle, IA where Robert taught with Ms. Carla Lawson, who became his most valued mentor. He based his teaching techniques on many of Ms. Lawsons. After teaching in the Carlisle School District for 2 years, Robert transitioned into the Des Moines Public School District and became a “Mathematician” at Brody Junior High; later transferring to East High School until retirement in 1996.

After retiring, Robert and Jorita left Carlisle to live full-time on Sun Valley Lake in SW Iowa. At Sun Valley Lake, Robert managed the golf course in his “free time”. “Free time” to Robert meant mowing other people’s lawns and entertaining family when they came to visit. Robert loved to take his grandkids, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews out tubing and even bought them a jet ski to play on while visiting. 

When Robert and Jorita grew tired of the cold Iowa winters, they moved to Sarasota, FL to enjoy the ocean and warm weather (with Robert enjoying working at the dog racetrack for a while). They stayed until April of 2025, when their daughter moved them back home to Iowa.

Robert Madison passed away January 9, 2026 after suffering a cerebral stroke on January 5, 2026.  Robert left behind his loving wife, Jorita of Pleasant Hill; daughter, Kari (Don) Miller of Carlisle; Grandson, Brandon Van Vleet (Stephanie) of Milo; Granddaughters, Eryn, Olyvia, and Izzy Miller and Great Grandchildren, Mason, Presley and Harper Van Vleet.

Robert was preceded in death by his daughter, M Leanne Dickerson; Grandson, Nathan Van Vleet; Son-in-Law, Ronnie Van Vleet; parents, Orville and Ethel Madison; brothers Gordon, Wayne and Richard Madison and his sister Janice Embree.

Anyone who knew Robert Madison can attest that he did NOT know a stranger and was an extremely generous person. He loved all people (especially his babies) and never had an unkind word to say. I deeply loved my Dad and was very proud of him. I always told people that my Dad was my knight in shining armor and my husband was my prince charming. Every girl deserves to have a Dad that is their knight in shining armor. 

A Celebration of Life to honor Robert will be held at the Randleman House (245 Pennsylvania St, Carlisle, IA 50047) on January 31, 2026 from 2-4 pm. The Randleman House is handicap accessible and parking is close by.