Ishpeming – Leonard A. Magnuson, age 86, of 40306 Co Rd 581, Ishpeming passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at the Mather Nursing Center while under the loving care of his family, staff members at Mather Nursing Center and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Leonard was born January 2, 1930 in Ishpeming, the son of the late Albert and Edla (Danielson) Magnuson. He was a lifelong Ishpeming area resident and a graduate of the National Mine High school. In his early years, Leonard worked construction locally. He went on to work for the Hercules Powder Co. and then the National Mine School as a custodian and bus driver. During this time he also sold cars out of his home which he would display in his yard. Leonard then became a salesman for Fischer Chevrolet, working there through name changes of Nelson Chevrolet and Crown Motors.  As a Chevrolet salesman, Leonard was recognized as a one of the Legion of Leaders, and was a member of the Truck Honors Club.

Leonard was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church, Ishpeming Elks Lodge, and the Sons of the American Legion. Leonard enjoyed camping with friends around the various campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula. He and his wife Joan visited Florida frequently over the years. They also took many bus tours with Lane Dawson.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 68 years Joan (Johnson) Magnuson of Ishpeming; 3 sons – Dave (Kathy) Magnuson of Ishpeming, Steven (Sally) Magnuson of National Mine and Keith (Ellen Talbacka) Magnuson of Ishpeming; daughter Barb (Ross) Carlson of Ishpeming; sister Marilyn Sumner of Marquette; grandchildren – Kara (Ron) Hanlon, Jaimie (Nate) Mager, Crystal (Brad) McLachlan, Craig (Carissa) Magnuson, Shannon Magnuson, Lindsay Magnuson and Jacob (Danielle) Carlson; 13 great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son Gary Alan Magnuson and a sister Lorraine Hemmila.

Leonard's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon on Friday, February 12, 2016 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon on Friday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral home with Rev. Dave Johnson to officiate. A luncheon will follow the services at the Faith Lutheran Church hall.  Len's grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Leonard's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .