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David Magnuson Obituary

Magnuson, David Allen Age 69 of Arden Hills Died peacefully on June 24, 2009 At The Pillars Hospice Center after bravely suffering with colon cancer. Even in the midst of his pain, his philosophy of life remained, "What A Wonderful World." Preceded in death by son, Eric; parents, Clarence and Burdel Magnuson. Survived by beloved wife of 47 years, Wendy; daughter, Ann (Christopher)Whiting; son, Steven (Shannon) Magnuson; grandchildren, Charlie and Gracie Whiting, Cooper Magnuson (and baby boy Magnuson due in July); sister, Judy Boomer; sister-in-law, Mary (Neil) Krough; special cousin, George (Carolyn) Kernkamp; special aunt, Dolores Janis, and many other relatives and friends. Dave touched many lives as a band and jazz educator in the Mounds View School District for many years. He was a professional musician, playing with the Classic Big Band and various groups around the Twin Cities. He loved fishing, going to garage sales, Ole and Lena jokes, teaching, and being with friends, but most of all he loved his family and spending time with them at the Big Sandy cabin. He will leave a huge hole in our hearts. A Celebration of his Life will be held Tuesday, June 30th at 2:00 p.m. at CENTENNIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 1524 West Co. Rd. C2, Roseville, MN 55113. Visitation at the church Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and two hours before the service. Special thanks to Dr. Hugec and the staff at Maplewood MOHPA, and especially the staff at The Pillars Hospice Home for their loving care. A scholarship will be set up in Dave's name. If you wish to designate a memorial to this scholarship, please indicate on the memo line of your check. 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear 651-407-8300


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Published by Pioneer Press from Jun. 27 to Jun. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Magnuson

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Kristi Nelson (Carlson)

November 17, 2009

I have been trying to figure out the right words to place in this guest book and still can't seem to find the right things to say. How can you pay an appropriate tribute to a person who changed and molded your life in such an enormous way. From 7th grade through my senior year in high school, this gentle man taught me a love of music, a love for education and a love for God. A teacher who I believe changed the world. Made it a better place. Made me a better person. Encourged me to live fully every day and be true to myself and to my God. Mr Magnuson, I am a better person for having known you. You will be missed and still adored!

Tom Huelsmann

August 30, 2009

My deep condolences to the family. I came to know Dave through judging with him (and having my bands judged by him) at high school music contests. Also played with him at several jazz events over the years. I saw the notice of his passing in the AFM union magazine which arrived yesterday.

What a friendly, happy outgoing guy. I will miss him.

Patricia Teel

July 13, 2009

I took band from Mr. Magnuson when I was attending Mounds Park Junior High. I was so sad when he left there and moved to another school. That was sometime in the 1960's. He made learning music so fun and was such a supportive teacher. I'm 55 years old now and music is still a big part of my life. He was just a joy to be around and I always looked forward to my lessons.
What a wonderful man and I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

Joni Sutton

July 4, 2009

Wendy, Chip and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. It was a privilege getting to know Dave - I loved having him judge our jazz bands at festivals, because he was so fired up while also having the highest of expectations for the kids. The Classic Big Band won't be the same without him - we sure enjoyed going out to hear him play. Take care of yourself, Wendy - Dave will certainly be missed.

July 3, 2009

Dear Big Sandy Neighbors

I am so very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. We will miss him at the lake. He is with God and his pain is gone. Bless you all.

Rick and Sue Purvis

Mark Johnson

July 2, 2009

I too am deeply saddened by Dave's passing. Dave and I became good friends when he started buying his band and jazz music at the music store where I work. He really could liven and brighten up the place when he came in. Such a fine man! Condolensces from the entire staff at Groth Music Co.

Jon Anderson

June 30, 2009

Mr. Magnuson, as I knew him, was not only a good teacher but a fun teacher as well. He kept everyone rolling their eyes with our Chippewa Jr. High Band weekly update with "Band News is Good News". He kept music interesting for all of us, especially during our 9th grade music version of "Theme of King Kong the Movie" as we reanacted certain scenes. I haven't worn a monkey suit since. Thanks Mr. Magnuson for the fond memories.

Nancy Bishop

June 30, 2009

I remember so very fondly Dave and his jazz ensemble playing for my dad's funeral just two years ago (Charles Fuller). Dave leaves behind a wonderful legacy of memories through his music, and all of the lives he has touched. May memories of good times bring you comfort.

June 30, 2009

Dave was one of those people who truly made it a "Wonderful World"!

God Bless,
Wendy and Elliott Hays

Amy Soderquist

June 29, 2009

It's funny that even in passing, as a student of his I still can't bring myself to refer to him as anything other than "Mr. Magnuson." He was one of my favorite teachers, and I enjoyed being his 'Teacher's Assistant' my senior year at Mounds View. He always challenged me to work harder than I wanted to and offered a lot of praise and encouragement. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

Doug Quigley

June 29, 2009

I learned a lot from Dave- appreciation for music, and zest for life.

Barbara English

June 29, 2009

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, dad, grandfather and friend to so many. We have such fond memories of Dave supporting the youth activities and his kids coming to them at Centennial Church. So, our hearts are very heavy that the community has lost a dear friend. We pray for peace for you and Dave, wanting you to know his spirit remains alive and well in our good memories.
Love, Dennis and Barbara

Steve London

June 29, 2009

I was saddened to hear of Dave's passing. I was in the second graduating class at Irondale Senior High. Dave taught me how to swing behind a drum set. He also got me hooked up after graduation with booking agencies so I could play drums professionally. Dave's positive energy has been with me my whole life. He was a teacher that had a major impact on me as a person and a musician.
(I Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Pam Jamison

June 29, 2009

Dear Family,
There are no words. I am heart sick for your loss. As I read the entries about your husband, father, mentor and friend,it speaks volumes of the man he is. Ann I am thinking of you...

Orth Family

June 29, 2009

It is so unfair. I will always remember Dave full of life and very proud of his family. He will truly be missed.

Bev Freudenberg (Cadwell)

June 29, 2009

I am sorry for your loss. Not only was Mr. Magnuson my band instructor, he was also a friend to his students. He will be greatly missed by all. My prayers are with his family.

Michael Ferrier

June 29, 2009

Words cannot express the loss that I feel as Dave slips away. He inspired so many to love music and LIFE, offering encouragement or a well-placed "kick in the pants," whichever was appropriate for motivating his young students. I remember many Stage Band rehearsals at 6 am were started with a few choice jokes from Mags to get the blood flowing and the mind working, and suddenly, we were ready to SWING. He was and remains an incredibly special soul, and my deepest sympathies for your loss.

Stephanie Johnson Bradley

June 28, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of this loss. I was a student of Mr. Magnuson's at Mounds View and had the privilege of travelling to Europe with him. He impacted my life in a great way teaching me to 'stop and smell the roses' which he wrote in my yearbook one year. Whenever I do, I think of him and always will! What a life he lived and shared with all of his students!! God Bless You!

Jay Brodersen

June 28, 2009

Dave was my band director in jr high
and also my senior year at Moundsview.
He inspired my appreciation for all kinds of music, for which I will always be greatful.

Sue Kaiser

June 27, 2009

What a wonderful guy to have left us so soon. Dave and I were classmates in high school and have kept in contact throughout the years mainly with the class reunion committee meetings. I will always remember his beautiful smile and great sense of humor. My love to Wendy, Steve and Ann and all those who have loved him so much throughout the years. He will be missed!!

staci

June 27, 2009

My sympathy for your loss. Dave will be remembered by many. Many of my best memories of high school stem from band and the things the Dave encouraged us to do.

Steve Witt

June 27, 2009

My sympathy to Wendy, Steve, Ann, and family. David taught me the importance of respect and dedication throughout high school (and as a neighbor). He is one of the key reasons I became a teacher. Without question, he impacted the lives of many!

Steve Melena

June 27, 2009

Both my children, now adults, were students of David in music and the jazz band at HighView - what a great experience. We ran across David again in later years with big band groups he was playing with. My son in fact had the big band that David was with play at his wedding in Oct. 2008. We were sad that David was not able to play at the wedding due to his illness. What a legacy he leaves. How many students he has influenced over the years.

Dan Grivna

June 27, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Wendy & Ann. Dave shared so much with all of his students. He lives on in each & every one of us.

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