Sharon M. Magnuson

Magnuson, Sharon M. Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Dear Friend - Age 68 Sharon Marguerite (nee Schultz) Magnuson, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 10, 2007. She miraculously survived two serious vascular diseases and received a kidney transplant on January 4, 1979, a gift of life from her brother Len. She viewed every subsequent day of life as a gift from God. In July 2007, she was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer while on trip to Italy with her grandson Evan. She was successfully battling the cancer when she died suddenly and unexpectedly. Her deep faith left her with tremendous peace. Unafraid of death, she celebrated life until the last moment. Sharon was born in St. Paul and grew up in South St. Paul. She graduated from South St. Paul High School, where she was an exceptional student. She won the state debate championship three times (1954-56) and was instrumental in the debate team's national speech and debate championship. After graduation in 1956, she attended Gustavus Adolfus College in St. Peter, MN, where she fell in love with and married Paul Magnuson. They were married for 48 years. She graduated from college in January 1960 and went on to teach high school at Bloomington, St. Louis Park and South St. Paul High Schools with humor and love for her students. She and Paul adopted 3 daughters and a son, instilling in them a love of learning and respect for others. She was a stickler for grammar and manners. In 1976, very ill and near death, she asked God to let her live long enough to see her children grow up. The diseases remitted and she lived to delight in her children and grandchildren. She devoted herself to sharing her faith and God's love through teaching, inspirational speaking and touches of quiet kindness in the lives of countless individuals. She was the confidant, advisor and partner of her husband, Paul, who adored and relied on her sharp intellect, kindness and amazing command of language and ideas. Sharon possessed unique warmth and an unparalleled ability to make people feel loved. She is preceded in death by her mother Josephine Kruchowski Schultz, her father Leonard Schultz and daughter Margaret Rose. Sharon is survived by her husband Judge Paul Magnuson, daughter Marlene (Kirk) Peterson, son Kevin Magnuson and daughter Kara (Jason) Berger, grandchildren Samantha, Sharon, Evan and Noah, and her brother Leonard (Faye) Schultz. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 14 from 4-8 p.m. at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER , 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater (NW corner of Hwy 36 & Co. Rd. 5), Stillwater. A celebration service will be held on Monday, October 15 at 11:00 a.m. at ST. LUCAS COMMUNITY CHURCH (1195 Manning Ave, Lake Elmo). Throughout her life, Sharon gave to those in need and memorials should be directed to The Union Gospel Mission - Twin Cities, 77 - 9th Street East, St. Paul, MN 55101. 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater 651-439-5511