MADDEN, Ross

MADDEN, Ross. (Cedar Rapids, IA, Mar. 27, 1940--Dubuque, IA, Oct. 30, 2025). The son of Kenneth and Polly (Price) Madden, Ross was educated at Indianola High School, Coe College, and the 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 married Sally Echternacht on June 12, 1965 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Fort Dodge, Iowa and they shared 60 years of marriage.

Ross was a physician at MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE) 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. Ross 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 WESTMINISTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH for over 50 years. He also spent time as the President at the DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB. He 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 enjoyed spending time in Estero, Florida where they made many new friends. He had many a good laugh with his golf group there and loved singing with the Grandezza Singers.

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Source:

Dubuque Obituaries