Mary C Magnuson
Mary Celeste (Kaner) Magnuson, age 73 of Eau Galle, died Sunday, June 2nd, 2013 at her home, with her loved ones around her, after a long battle with breast cancer.
Mary was born on June 21st, 1939 in Chicago, IL. She was the daughter of Emil and Francena (Weinzirl) Kaner. Mary grew up in rural Eau Galle and was the youngest of 7 children. She attended and graduated from Durand High School in 1957. After high school, Mary attended UW-Eau Claire and graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She then went to work for Catholic Charities in Oshkosh WI and then to Denver, CO placing children with adoptive parents. In 1971, Mary met and married Edward Magnuson and they had two children. The family moved back to Eau Galle, Wisconsin where they later divorced. Mary helped with the Meals on Wheels program for the Dunn County Office on Aging and for the last 20 years, Mary served as the Site Manager for the Senior Center in Eau Galle, until being forced to retire because of her illness.
Mary’s love of life showed in of all her activities including landscaping, flower gardening, traveling, playing cards, and singing in the church choir. She was a deeply spiritual and religious member of St. Henry’s parish. Most of all she loved to spend time with friends and family, especially her granddaughter, Aurora.
Mary is survived by her two children; Michele Magnuson of Winona, MN and John Magnuson of Eau Galle, one granddaughter; Aurora Magnuson, two brothers; Richard (Nancy) Kaner of Rice Lake and Harry Kaner of Elmwood, one sister; Rita Collins of Nampa, ID, soul partner of 30 years; Dennis Pickerign of Eau Galle, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and 3 brothers; Roy, Clarence and John.