Chris Madel grew up in Waseca, Minnesota with his parents, Peter Jr. and Mary Ann, and three older siblings. While Chris was growing up, his father served as longtime Chairman of the Waseca County Republicans, introducing Chris to conservative thought and the importance of civic engagement. Chris’s father also owned and operated a nursing home where Chris worked for 10 years—on many weekends during the school year and full-time during the summer (his Dad prohibited him from working anywhere else!). Chris was an altar boy at Sacred Heart Church in Waseca until he graduated from Waseca High School. Some of his favorite memories include his extended discussions with Father John Kunz regarding Reagan-era politics.