Charles Magnusen

Edward Charles Magnusen was born May 27, 1935 in Sumter, MN, the son of Melvin and Josephine (Schwartz) Magnusen. Edward grew up and was schooled in Hutchinson, MN. He graduated from high school in Hutchinson in 1953. Edward attended Macalester College and later Mankato State University on football scholarships. He studied business and marketing. Following his education Edward served in the US Army for three years. Edward moved to Grand Rapids, MN where he worked as a beer salesman. While he was there he built a new home for his parents. Edward moved to St. Paul where he worked as sales manager for White Trucks. On March 18, 1978 Edward was united in marriage to Donna Lindgren. Later he went to work for Rihm Motors as sales manager selling Kenworth trucks. He retired in 1997. Following his retirement he and Donna moved to Alexandria, MN. Edward enjoyed the outdoors. He liked going fishing, deer hunting and pheasant hunting. He enjoyed shooting trap, golfing with friends and clients, and working his large vegetable garden. Edward was very clever and enjoyed woodcarving, woodworking and crafting things for his family. He was an avid crossword puzzler. Edward served his community, as a member of the North Branch and Stark Lions Club Edward also like to spend time gourmet cooking for his family. Time spent with his children and grandchildren was very important to him. Ed fought a courageous battle against cancer with his family beside him. On Wednesday, November 5, 2008 Edward died at the age of seventy-three years. He is survived by his wife, Donna Magnusen of Alexandria; two step-sons, Rob Johnson of Alexandria and Randy Johnson of Philadelphia, PA; one step-daughter, Mary Jane Vipond of Alexandria; two grandchildren, Mitchell Gordon Vipond and Meghan Donna Vipond; one sister, Marlys and husband, Hans Degn, of Eugene, OR; and three sisters-in-law, Marion and husband, John McDonald and Georgia and husband, Donald Catton, both of San Diego, CA, and Lee Magnusen, and friend, Eugene Smith, of Alexandria. Edward was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Burt Magnusen; one niece, Becky Jo Degn and one nephew, Jeff Degn. We?ll all miss you Big Ed. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Rev. Neal Olson will officiate. Truman & Karen Hanson and Mark Graf provided music. Pallbearers are Ed?s children and grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Close & Jill Talley, Jean Skarda, Wayne Schwartz, Gordy Vipond, Maynard Hoium, Mike Bayer and all of the District 206 Bus Drivers. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the family. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.