Eugene Robert Magnuson

Eugene Robert Magnuson, 91, and Grace Marie Magnuson (nee Gruendeman), 87, of Brookfield, Wisconsin were called to their heavenly home together by their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 6, 2025. They met at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and had recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.
Eugene was born on December 5th, 1933 in Allen, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Anna (nee Messerschmidt) Magnuson and brothers Raymond and John. He is survived by brother, William and sister JoAnn (Monnie) Stoltz.
Grace was born on October 24th, 1938 in Burke, South Dakota. She was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Margaret (nee Martin) Gruendeman and brother-in-law John Ladner. She is survived by sisters, Ruth Ladner and Judy (Doug) Carr, and brother Phillip Gruendeman.
Together, Eugene and Grace are survived by son Larry (companion Melissa Wilcox), nephew Jonathan (Karen) Ladner, nephew David (Lisa) Ladner, niece Sarah (Michael) Hillman, niece Christine (Thomas) Garry, and nephew Thomas (Brenda) Carr, as well as other cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Eugene earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Kansas State University after receiving his undergraduate and Masters degrees from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He started his career at Allis-Chalmers in Milwaukee but found his real joy teaching chemistry and interacting with students at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) for over 30 years. For more than 55 years, he also worked seasonally at H&R Block, where he greatly enjoyed interacting with people as he prepared their tax returns, forming lasting relationships with clients and coworkers. He was looking forward to returning for the upcoming season.
Grace attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in preparation for a career as a Medical Technologist. She was employed in Manhattan, KS in her field of learning while her husband continued his studies at Kansas State University. After moving to Milwaukee, she worked at the Electric Company, and later served doctors and patients in clinics and physicians' offices throughout her long career.
Eugene loved keeping active. He took pride in being a "do-it-yourself" person. There were few things he didn't think he couldn't do himself and most things he could. He enjoyed maintaining his rental properties, including mowing lawns, fixing up units, and helping tenants, which he continued to do right up until his death. He simply loved helping people and always did everything he could to make someone's life a little better.
Grace loved quilting and took particular joy in the quilts she made for others, including many she donated. She was an avid reader and even as her eyesight declined in her later years she continued to find ways to read. Grace also enjoyed attending church functions and keeping in touch regularly with her friends and family. Grace loved talking with people, and was genuinely interested in hearing about their lives and stories, always asking many questions. For many years after her retirement, she visited shut-in church members bringing happiness to both Grace and those she saw.
Together Eugene and Grace shared their WELS faith as dedicated members of Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church for more than 55 years. They loved all animals, particularly dogs and had beloved canine companions for most of their married life. In their later years, they would "borrow" dogs whenever they could, dog sitting and always bringing toys and playing with friends' dogs. Eugene and Grace loved the simple pleasures in life including eating out with family and friends, drives to view fall colors, and just spending time with each other. They were perfect partners.
Though Eugene and Grace are now in heaven, their positive impact will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of the many lives they touched.
Visitation is Saturday, November 15th at Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church, W156 N5436 Bette Dr., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 from 10am until the time of service which is at 12 noon. A luncheon will follow the service. Private interment is at Wisconsin Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church Menomonee Falls, WI, HAWS (Humane Animal Welfare Society) of Waukesha County, or a charity of choice.