William "Bill" Magnuson

William H. (Bill) Magnuson, age 90, of Willmar, passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, June 1, at Copperleaf Senior Living Community in Willmar.

A graveside service will held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Willmar.  Military honors will be provided by the Henderson-Lewis American Legion Post #545 of Spicer.  Memorials may be sent to Eagle Creek Golf Club-Bill Magnuson memorial.  Arrangements are with the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Bill was born March 28, 1930 in Willmar, Minnesota to Henry O. and Ethel Magnuson (Bredeson).  Bill graduated from Willmar High School in 1948.  He enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington.  After being honorably discharged, he returned to Willmar and began 41 years of employment as an engineer by the Great Northern and eventually, Burlington Northern Railway. He married Patricia Ann Bauch on November 9, 1957, in Sanborn, Minnesota.  They spent 56 wonderful years together and had two children, Mary and Tom.

Bill was an avid and accomplished Willmar golfer who  was introduced to the game at age 12 as an oft-time caddy for the legendary D.N. Tallman.  Bill went on to win golf championships in every decade starting in the 1940’s, including the Lakeland, nine club championships, multiple senior titles, and  many other tournaments around the state. He continued to golf regularly into his mid-80’s.

Bill and Pat discovered the Big island of Hawaii in 1982 and spent  every winter there until 2012.  He was a devoted father and doting grandfather. He was an early supporter of Willmar Youth Hockey and a fixture at games, meets, and  tournaments, always with a camera in-hand  and  ready to capture a Grandchild in action.

Bill had a great sense of humor, a quick wit, and was known among his many friends for his famous “one-liners”. Despite failing health, he never once complained and maintained a positive attitude until the end.  He and his family are  thankful for the kind and compassionate care he received at Copperleaf and more recently, from the staff at Rice Hospice.

Bill is survived by his two children, Mary (John Apitz) Magnuson of Mendota Heights and Tom (Deb) Magnuson of Bethel, Alaska, and five grandchildren, Kaia, Andrew, Aren, Nicholas and Zachary.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Pat in 2013.