Linda Wehking Magnuson

1943 - 2024

Linda Wehking Magnuson, 80, of Monticello passed away at Mercy Hospital early the morning of Friday, January 5, 2024, from treatment complications related to a recurrence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. She had many visitors throughout her stay at the hospital and was able to visit with and say goodbye to her children and most grandchildren the night before she passed. Her oldest son (Russell) was able to stay with her until she passed.

Linda was born on June 23, 1943 in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Gladys (Walters) Isley and her father, Raymond Wehking.

Linda is survived by her three sons: Russell Magnuson (Katie), Daniel Magnuson, and Steven Magnuson (Candace); and her half-sister, Janet Isley and her half-brother, Howard Isley. She was blessed with 11 special grandchildren and six extra special great-grandchildren.

Linda was ahead of her time in many ways for her generation and let nothing stand in her way once she set her mind to it. Early in the 1970s she applied her sense of style and artistic flare to a number of crafty type projects, and sold her original works at craft fairs and various shops around the area. She also dabbled in furniture restoration, and no matter what the item, she could turn it into something truly special.

Linda worked at Mercy Hospital for a number of years until retirement. Her favorite job was sterilization of instruments and preparation of surgical trays, which she felt was her way of helping others have the best possible outcome from whatever procedures they were undergoing.

Later in life she came out of retirement to babysit one of her great-grandchildren, Jack (so his mom could return to work), which by far (in her words) was "the best job she ever had."

Linda enjoyed reading and puzzles while enjoying a Pepsi and some potato chips. She was fond of chickens, donkeys, elephants, murder mysteries, vampires and watching home remodeling shows. She loved to visit Duluth. If she would have had more time, she would have made one last trip to Ohio to visit her best friend Sandy Rodocker, as well as her half-brother Howard and wife Pam. She was known for her witty comments and great sense of humor. She loved visiting her granddaughter Kayla's garden during "pea season" and always made a couple trips to the 101 Market for sweet corn. She was also famous for serving her spaghetti "hotdish" for most holidays she hosted.

Some of her best quotes were "You can never have too much butter," "Never park next to a white car" and "I'm a really nice person if you get to know me." She was known for having strong opinions and fighting hard for what she believed in. She would urge everyone to explore the stories of Nephilim/giants.

She spent her last years downsizing into a smaller home, volunteering at the Wise Penny. She always had a dream of living on the Mississippi River, and had just fulfilled that dream a few months before her passing. She was loved by so many. It was a joy to be loved by Linda and she will be greatly missed.

Plans for interment of her ashes and a remembrance gathering are pending for late spring or the early summer.

Cards or remembrances can be sent to: Russell Magnuson, 3513 Sterling Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304 or emailed to: russellmagnuson@gmail.com. No flowers please.