Joseph Allen "Joe" Magnan

1954 - 2025

Joseph "Joe" Allen Magnan, 71

Joseph "Joe" Allen Magnan passed away peacefully in the early morning of June 9, 2025, in Kalispell, Montana. Born on February 2, 1954 - Groundhog Day - in Brainerd, Minnesota. Joe was the son of Joseph Albert Magnan and LaVera Magnan. He spent his early childhood in Anaconda, Montana, and graduated with the Class of 1972 from Pierz High School in Minnesota. From 1972 to 1978, Joe proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Gridley, stationed out of San Diego, California, traveling the pacific and sparking his love of communication through his role as a sonar technician.

After his service, he met his wife on a blind date while traveling through Montana. They were married in 1979 and soon settled in Minnesota, where Joe worked as an electronics technician for Unisys. During those years, he earned an associate degree in electronics from Brown Institute in 1981, and together, he and Sandy welcomed their beautiful children Andrea in 1983, Bobby in 1986, and Heather in 1988. Though Bobby passed away as an infant, he remained forever loved and remembered. Joe was always committed to learning; he went on to complete a bachelor's degree from Metropolitan State College in 1986. In 1989, Joe and his family moved to Kalispell, Montana, a place that quickly felt like home and held a special place in his heart for the rest of his life. He loved everything Montana had to offer: the quiet beauty of its lakes and forests, the freedom to hunt and fish, and the joy of being closer to his siblings.

Joe found purpose in his work, first installing fire alarm systems all across western Montana with Northern Fire and Communication for 15 years and later spending another 15 years with the Montana Department of Transportation before retiring. He was a lifelong ham radio operator and avid geocacher, known in the geocaching world by the alias "Ajax One." Joe wasn't just passionate about the hunt, he brought joy to the community by creating earth caches, puzzle caches, and by organizing events for CITO (Cache In, Trash Out), a global environmental initiative that encourages geocachers to care for the trails they explore. His sharp wit, quiet strength, and love of simplicity made him a beloved presence both on the trail and off.

Joe was preceded in death by his son, Robert "Bobby" A. Magnan; his parents, Joseph Albert Magnan and LaVera Magnan-Near; and his sister, LuElla Cuchine. He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Sandy (Wagnild) Magnan; his daughters, Andrea (Joel) Christensen and Heather (Josh) Peters; and his cherished grandchildren, Barrett and Grace Peters. He also leaves behind his beloved siblings JoAnne (Roger) Welch, Duane (Linda) Magnan, DeLila (Don) Warner, and Al Magnan who, no matter the distance or time between visits, always held a special place in his heart. Joe is lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, each of whom he cared for deeply.

A private memorial will be held at a later date at a place he called "Joe's Hog Hole," a quiet spot on the lake he loved, a place where he spent countless peaceful hours fishing and reflecting. Joe often spoke of the owl as his spirit animal, a symbol of wisdom and calm, and it's there, surrounded by nature, that he chose to make his final resting place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's honor to the National Association for Amateur Radio Education & Technology Fund. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.