Jack LeRoy Magnuson

By Sun Advocate

CASTLE DALE – Jack LeRoy Magnuson, 86, passed away September 25 from injuries sustained in a four-wheeling accident. He was born July 22, 1929 in Castle Dale, Utah to Charles and Ada Faye Jeffs Magnuson.
On November 25, 1955 he married the love of his life, Janet Wickman in Ely, Nevada. Their marriage was later solemnized on May 13, 1997 in the Manti Temple. Jack and Janet were only two months shy of their 60th wedding anniversary.
He was raised in Castle Dale, Utah. At the age of 16 he moved to California with his father to work in the grape fields. After a short stay, he returned to Castle Dale and worked in the oil fields and for US Fuel Co. in Hiawatha, Utah as a shuttle car operator until he joined the U.S. Army in 1951. He served in Fort Lewis, Washington until his honorable discharge in March 1953. He returned to Castle Dale and resumed employment at US Fuel.
In the early 1960s they started a small building material store in their backyard. He would work at the mine whenever possible and, with the help of Janet, maintained the lumber store too. The business was so successful that, in 1965, he was able to purchase property on Castle Dale Main Street and build his first store. The business grew and flourished until he built the large Magnuson Lumber building in 1984. It is still operating today, 50 years later.
He loved to spend time with friends and family traveling the country and at his Joe’s Valley Ranch. He spent many memorable days vacationing with his grandchildren.
He served many years on the Castle Dale City Council. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Janet served nine years at the church cannery and served a two year humanitarian mission. He found great joy in helping others. Wherever he went, he was always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is survived by his wife Janet, son Randy (Laurel) Magnuson, daughter Jarilyn Spears; His grandchildren, Dallas (Shanna) Magnuson, Lindsey (Cody) Oman, McKenzie (Chance) Garrison, Eric (Caitlin) Spears, Leisha Magnuson and McCall Spears; His great-grandchildren, Korbin Garrison, Mylie Magnuson, Macee Garrison, Olivia Spears, Peyton Oman, Dreyden Oman, and Jaxton Oman. He is preceded in death by his great-granddaughter Maeli McCall Garrison; his parents Charles and Ada Faye Jeffs Magnuson; brothers Paul and Bruce; sisters Twila, Jenny, and Valora.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 30 at 11 a.m. at the Castle Dale Utah Stake Center, 35 East Main, Castle Dale, Utah. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening, September 29 from 6-8 p.m. at the Fausett Mortuary, 720 North Center, Castle Dale, Utah and Wednesday morning from 9-10:30 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment will be at the Castle Dale City Cemetery. Funeral services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guest book and share memories of Jack at www.fausettmortuary.com.