Leland Magnuson

Leland A. Magnuson, age 81, a resident of Sandstone, Minnesota died January 5, 2012 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. Leland was born on September 26, 1930 in Center City, Minnesota to Frank “Emil” and Gertrude Magnuson. The family moved to Dairyland in 1933, where he attended grade school at Stevens School and then attended Superior Central High through the 10th grade. He worked for REA for two years before entering the United States Air Force in 1948. While in the service, he completed his high school education while in Bellview, Nebraska as well as some college courses. During his military career he was stationed in a number of countries such as Japan, Korea, Guam, Vietnam, Thailand and the Azores/Portugal. In 1972, Leland retired from the Air Force after 24 years of service as a Master Sergeant. After his retirement, he returned to his roots in Minnesota where he met his wife, Judith Luchau. They were married on August 24, 1985 in Sandstone, Minnesota. Leland was active on the School Board, and the Township and County Government in various different capacities. Leland was known to be a “Jack of all trades” and could fix or try to fix anything. He wrote and submitted letters to the editor in the local newspapers that many people enjoyed reading. Leland was preceded in death by his parents; sister Ellen Stuart; brothers Lloyd, Vincent, Warren and Edward. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his 3 daughters Nancy (Brent) Cronkite, Dianna (Bill) Davis, and Angel (Joel) Haverkamp; his brother Herbert (Verna) Magnuson; sister Evelyn Scott, 16 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 10 stepchildren Marasee “Doll” (Randy) Scott, Vittaya “Thoy” (Sue) Somnuk, Wacharee “Ooy” (James) Thompson, Wiriyut “Wee” Somnuk, Wiriya “Oot” (Daisy) Somnuk, Charles (Laurie) Newman, Colleen (Troy) Nelson, Jerilynn Vork, David (Brenda) Newman, and Julie Hanson; along with other relatives and friends. Memorial service Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 11:00 am (visitation 10-11 am) Danforth Community Church with Pastor Peter Dobson officiating.