John Edvin Magnuson, 96, of International Falls, Minn., died Saturday morning, Aug. 1, 2009, at Falls Good Samaritan Center.

John was born May 3, 1913, at the family home in Ross, Minn. He grew up in Ross and entered the United States Army Feb. 27, 1942. He served in the 99th Infantry Battalion “Separate,” a division of Norwegian speaking soldiers in The European Theater of War. He was honorably discharged Nov. 8, 1945.

He returned to Roseau, Minn., and farmed for several years.

He was united in marriage to the former Margaret Knepper in Roseau on Nov. 2, 1948. Together they moved to Malung, Minn., and in 1954 moved to Badger, Minn. In 1955 the family moved to International Falls where they have resided since.

John worked for Mando/Boise Cascade and finally for the MD&W Railroad where he worked as loader operator until his retirement in 1978 after 23 years of service.

John enjoyed his hobby farm, helping his son Ed work in the woods and helping his neighbors.

He was a coin collector and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making sure they had acquired the latest State quarters.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Helena (Lee) Magnuson; a son, Richard Kim Magnuson; five brothers, Alvin, Fred, Henry, Palmer and Bill; and four sisters, Mabel Roseen, Helga Wold, Alice Ellenson and Clarice Dahlquist.

John is survived by his wife, Margaret of International Falls; sons, Marlin (Sandy) Magnuson of Brooklyn Park, Minn., Ed (Connie) Magnuson of International Falls, David (Peggy) Magnuson of Mattawan, Mich., and Roger (Joan) Magnuson of Mounds View, Minn.; eight grandchildren, Natalie, Leah, Erin, Dale, Peter, Leanne, Callen and Linnea; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the 2 p.m. funeral service Friday, Aug. 7, at First Lutheran Church, International Falls.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery with full military rights accorded.

Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.

Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.