Gary Lee Magnus, “The Crooner from Spooner”, age 72, passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2023, surrounded by family.

He was born February 13, 1951, to Orville and Pauline Magnus. He attended and graduated from Spooner High School in 969. He was drafted to Vietnam  in 1971 and served in the war at age 19.

He married Linda Nichols, the love of his life, on June 16, 1973. They resided in Spooner and started a family together. They later divorced but remained devoted parents and grandparents.

He was the father to Stacy (Aaron) Prazuch, Lindsey (Glenn) Leis, Brandon (Ashley) Magnus, and Evan (Liz) Magnus. He was “Big Papa” to Troy, Hunter, Dylan, Hayden, Landen, Camryn. Leah, Landon, Ellie, and Liam.

He owned Magnus Construction for many years and had a passion for woodworking and hunting. He enjoyed planting flowers, morning coffee with friends, and road tripping to Whitetails banquets. He was known for showing off his classic cars at car shows and was also a loyal patron to the Prime.

He was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, Whitetails and Ducks Unlimited, Indianhead Rifle and Pistol Club, and Washburn County Board.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren; brother, Tim (Lori) Magnus; sisters, Donna (Jerry) Bloomquist, Judy (Mike) Toepfer, and Barb (Gary) Bartels.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Debbie.

A visitation will be held Thursday, August 24th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Spooner Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Friday, August 25th at 1:00 PM. Luncheon to follow at the Shell Lake Community Center.

Last Update: Aug 21, 2023 11:03 am CDT