Lea Madler, 52,Dickinson, was born into her new life surrounded by family on Friday, January 7, 2022 at Sanford Health Bismarck. Visitation will be from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Celebration of Life Service at 4 p.m.
Lea A Madler was born on September 8, 1969 in Petosky, Michigan to Patrick Cherwinski and Deborah (Borst) Harrington. They moved to North Dakota in July of 1980. Not long after moving to North Dakota, Deborah met Robert Harrington and settled into making Richardton their home. Lea attended Richardton High School and graduated a proud Raider in 1988.
After graduation, Lea made Dickinson her home. She wore many hats throughout her life; from waitressing to bartending to a drug testing technician to a prison guard and oiler extraordinaire. But her most treasured hat of all was Mom.
Through her four children is where she shined the brightest. She never failed to find a teachable moment for her kids. She involved herself with all of life’s adventures with her children. She found different ways to connect with each of them in her own special way.
Lea loved being in the outdoors. Anything from riding her motorcycle to fishing & hunting (which she still holds the family record for biggest buck) In the summer, you could find her tending to her garden with her fur babies, Widget, Murphy, Willow and Harper, by her side. She had a soft spot for anything with four legs and was always willing to rescue anything that needed help.
She was a friend to many people of all walks of life. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, a listening ear and a comforting hug accompanied by her smile that would light up the whole world. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Lea is survived by her husband, Dean Madler, Dickinson; four children, Matthew (Crystal) Miller, Dickinson, Rebecca (Jordan) Henrickson, Indiana, Grace and Cadence Madler, Dickinson; stepson, Dion Madler, Fargo; four grandchildren, Raelynn, Riley and Ryan Miller, Dickinson and Avery Henrickson, Indiana; her mother, Deborah Harrington, Halliday; step-father, Robert Harrington, Richardton; her three siblings, Jody (Mark) Goelzer, Bismarck, Chip (Jacki) Cherwinksi, Lisbon, and Jason (Nicole) Cherwinski, Bismarck; and numerous nieces & nephews.
She was proceeded in death by her father, Patrick Cherwinski; uncle, Daniel Olds; and grandparents, Jack & Roberta Olds; and nephew, Drew Madler.
