Willard J. (Will) Madsen, Professor Emeritus, Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C., was a retired educator of 44 years of active teaching. Born January 24, 1930 on the plains of rural Florence, Kansas, he was the son of the late Neils J. and Mary E. Madsen. Educated in rural Marion County, the Peabody Junior High School, and the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe, he held a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Education from Gallaudet in 1952 and a Master of Education from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, in 1956. Besides his chosen profession of teaching, Will's personal interests included: reading, writing, editing, poetry, gardening, cooking, theatre, and travel. Author of two of the first American Sign Language textbooks (intermediate-advanced levels), he was internationally known for his acclaimed poems, "You Have to be Deaf to Understand" (1971) and "NO!" (1978) as well as co-editor of Gestuno, International Sign Language (sic, "communication") of the Deaf (1975). Will was instrumental in helping establish a certification program for Sign Language teachers, (1975) now conducted by (ASLTA), American Sign Language Teachers Association. His awards and honors include: the Special Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Frederick H. Hughes Memorial Theatre (1972); the Alpha Sigma Pi Fraternity Man of the Year Award (1973); private audience with Pope Paul VI in Rome, Italy (1973); British Deaf Association Medal of Honour (1978); Who's Who in American Education, Classroom Teachers (1989-90); Dean's Award, School of Communication, Gallaudet (1991); Tower Clock Yearbook Dedication (1992); St. Francis of Assisi Award, Catholic Deaf Center, Archdiocese of Washington, (1998); Professor Emeritus recognition (2000); and Kansas School for the Deaf Alumni Association 2005 Man of the Year Award. After retiring from full time teaching at Gallaudet University in 1996, Will continued working as an American Sign Language Consultant/Evaluator up until his passing in 2016. Will's wife Dorothea passed away in 2021.

Will is survived by his son Lawrence (Larry) residing in Chardon, Ohio along with five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was much loved and will always be remembered by all his friends and family.