Obituary: Rodney Magnuson

Rodney Magnuson, age 77, passed away on Aug. 23, 2019 at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, N.D. Funeral services were held Sept. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Carrington. Rev. Richard Biberdorf & Rev. Carlyle Roth officiated. Special music was provided by Jana Schimelfenig and Reneè Hopkins. Casket Bearers were Calvin Magnuson, Sadie Magnuson, Zachary Magnuson, James Morris, Kevin Magnuson and Donovan Schick. Honorary Bearers were Jerry Hallwachs, Larry Hennings, Carter Kleinsasser and Larry Larson. Burial was at Carrington Cemetery.

Rodney was born in Jamestown, N.D., on Oct. 24, 1941. He was the oldest of three children born to Albert and Louise (Grover) Magnuson. He attended the Hebron Consolidated School for eight years.

He farmed with his dad and worked for various neighbors in the Hawksnest Township area. Rodney married Leona Otto on Feb. 22, 1964 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Robinson, N.D.

Rodney continued to farm grains, cattle, sheep, hogs and chickens with his dad, as well as working part-time at the Lumber Company and Hertl Trucking, both of Carrington; Mittleider Excavating, Sykeston and Stop-n-Go in Carrington for 10 years. He retired from farming in 2003.

Rodney was involved in St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Sykeston) as a Trustee, Elder and Treasurer for 20 years. He was the President & Treasurer of Lutheran Layman's League Couples Club; a lifetime member of the Sykeston Volunteer Fire Department (firefighter, training officer and assistant chief) for 50+ years and Hawksnest Township Supervisor.

Rodney is survived by his wife Leona, Carrington; a daughter Sue (Arron) Stein, McClusky, a son Brian Magnuson, Carrington; grandchildren Calvin Magnuson, Bismarck, Zachary Magnuson and Sadie Magnuson, both of Carrington; a brother Dean Magnuson, Grand Forks; a sister Karen (Joe) Morris, Fessenden; two step-granddaughters Tiffanie (Alan) Symington, Cavalier and Kimbra Karlgaard, Fargo; nine step great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law Richard Otto, Bowdon; a sister-in-law Phyllis (Otto) Heibert, Wash.; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Louise (Grover) Magnuson and his grandparents: Wilbur and Irene (Higley) Grover and John and Augusta (Erickson) Magnuson.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, N.D.