John Charles Magnuson

John Charles Magnuson, 78 of Lindsborg, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children.
John was born on December 16, 1946 in Lindsborg to Victor and Margaret (Gibson) Magnuson. John graduated from Lindsborg Rural High School in 1964 where he met the love of his life his senior year, Darlene (Ryding), who he was married to for 57 years. He attended Washburn University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting. John then served two years in the Coast Guard after graduating and then returned to Kansas City to hone his tax accounting (CPA) skills and the most unique organizational tower of paper chaos that only this stubborn Swede could understand, but rest assured your taxes would be filed on time.
John dedicated himself to the betterment of his community. He served as a McPherson County Commissioner for many years and later as Mayor of Lindsborg. He volunteered as a Svensk Hyllningsfest festival chair, was the official scorekeeper for Bethany College Swedes football, and worked to raise funds for the Swedish Folk Dancers, the American Legion and other charities. His ability to bring people together and rally support was unmatched.
John also poured his heart into the arts community. He served as treasurer of the Raymer Society, held lifelong membership at the Sandzén Gallery, and filled his home with pieces from regional artists he admired and championed. His home truly was its own gallery and expressive of his love for local creativity.
John's faith anchored his life. John served on church councils at both Messiah Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran and studied to become a Stephen Minister, always ready to lend an ear, a
prayer, or a steady hand.
When John wasn't working, he was following his true passion, baseball. John was an avid sports memorabilia and autograph collector. His baseball knowledge was unmatched. He was an encyclopedia of what the average person would call useless and pointless baseball knowledge. It drove Darlene nuts but at the same time our family revolved around the greatest game on Earth. At this time John is playing with The Babe, Ty Cobb and others at the Field of Dreams and obtaining those autographs he was missing in his collection.
John is survived by his wife Darlene of Lindsborg, Kansas, his daughter Charlice (Frank) Saunders of Overland Park, KS, his son Barry (Jana) Magnuson of Kansas City, MO and three grandchildren whom he adored: Adam Magnuson, Alexandra Magnuson, and Anabel Saunders. John is preceded in his journey to Heaven by his parents Victor and Margaret Magnuson.
Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church, The Legion Post 140 of Lindsborg, KS and the Lindsborg Community Hospital. Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington St., Lindsborg, KS 67456.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 19th at Crick-Christians Funeral Home in Lindsborg, KS from 5:00 – 7:00pm.
Burial services will be held at Elmwood Cemetery 9:30am, Thursday, November 20.
Funeral services will be 10:30am, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 702 S. 9th St., Salina, KS.