Rodney Magnuson, formerly of Litchfield, died peacefully on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at the Wildflower Memory Care Home in Maple Grove. He was 84.
A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, Jan. 28, at Zion Lutheran Church (504 N. Gilman Ave.) in Litchfield. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., with a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Lunch will be provided after the service. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s website.
Rodney was born June 30, 1938, to Archie and Myrtle Magnuson on a farm outside of Kimball. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1956 and was united in marriage to the love of his life, Darlene Marie Johnson, on March 19, 1960, at Ostmark Lutheran Church in rural Watkins. With four years, they completed their family of five with Steve, Paula and Rob.
Rodney was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, singing in the choir and ushering. He was proud to be a citizen of Litchfield, as a member of the Litchfield Area Male Chorus, and the Lions Club. His involvement with the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce included representing the Ambassador group that welcomed new businesses to Litchfield, and participating in countless ribbon-cutting ceremonies. For many years, he borrowed the Chamber Office’s Santa Claus suit and played Santa at family Christmas gatherings for his five grandkids. Rodney would disappear from the gathering to change into the Santa suit in the cold garage and, within a few minutes, would knock at the front door surprising and entertaining both children and adults. He loved his grandchildren and participated fully in their lives, including gaining people’s attention with his famously loud whistling at the kids’ sports and school events. Rodney was probably best known as manager for 38 years at the SuperAmerica gas station in Litchfield. Everyone knew Rod as “The SA Man.” He loved interacting with customers of all ages. Over the years, he received many excellence awards through his company, and his store was recognized as one of the more successful and profitable SA gas stations in the state. After retiring from SA, Rod kept busy by working part-time at Sears delivering appliances, and he also volunteered doing Lifeline medical alert system installations in private residences in the Litchfield area.
Rod also enjoyed bird-watching, jigsaw puzzles, woodworking, collecting “dad jokes,” and enjoying life on Lake Ripley. He was an avid golfer, and he drove his personal golf cart to the golf club down the street. He also enjoyed bringing his grandchildren out onto the course. He cherished his beloved dog Otis, and took him for rides in the golf cart and driving around the lake.
Rodney was preceded in death by his wife Darlene, and his sisters Helen Anderson, Alice Anderson, and Dorothy Jensen.
He is survived by his children Steve (and Mary) Magnuson of Bellingham, Wash., Paula (and Gaute) Sandberg of Ham Lake, Minn., and Rob (and Shelly) Magnuson of Plymouth; grandchildren Erik and Andrew Sandbeg, and Thomas, Ellie and Mark Magnuson; and his “little buddy” Otis.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you direct memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). Arrangements are with Johnson Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield.