Donald Dean Magnuson

Donald D. Magnuson, 97 of Lexington passed away Sunday, August 5, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the Tabitha Residence – Harbor House. Don was born June 3, 1921 in Gosper County, Nebraska to Miran A. and Maggie (Baldwin) Magnuson. He graduated from Lexington High School with the Class of 1939. Don and Gail McKee were married on July 29, 1945 at Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Church. Their marriage of nearly 73 years was blessed with two sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many close friends. Gail passed away just 15 days earlier on July 21, 2018.   Don was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He had a deep faith in his personal Savior Jesus Christ, always putting the needs of others first and giving profound thanks for God’s blessings. He loved people and would easily strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved telling stories about growing up on the farm south of Lexington, riding a motorcycle to the Pacific Northwest and his experiences in WWII. He loved a good joke, a good story and relished the opportunity to bring humor into a conversation.   On February 17, 1943 Don was drafted into the US Army Air Corps where he served his country until July 1, 1945, achieving the rank of Staff Sargent. He was Flight Engineer on a B-24 with the 15th Air Force - 459th Bomb Group, stationed in Italy where he was credited for over 50 missions. He survived a plane crash in the Adriatic Sea on July 15, 1944. Don was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 Clusters, a Purple Heart and the Soldier’s Medal.   Don’s career in hybrid seed sales and sales management spanned forty years, and included Cornhusker Hybrids, DeKalb and Agripro seed companies. He received many sales awards but always gave credit to the work of his dealers. Don was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the American Legion and the Veterans Of Foreign Wars. Survivors include two sons and spouses: James and Marilyn of Holmen, Wisconsin and Paul and Sandra of Dallas, Texas; Seven grandchildren: Carrie, Peter, John, Katherine, Joseph, David and Daniel; Eight great-grandchildren: Lily, Regan, Elliott, Anders, Stieg, Joseph Jr., Adaline Grace and Jean Rene’; One sister: Garlan Jacobson of Greeley, Colorado and many devoted nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Loren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington with Pastor Eddie Mariel, officiating. Family will be greeting friends Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at the Church. Interment with military honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, Dawson County Historical Society or the Lexington Public Library. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com