Russell Curtis Magnuson

9-3-27 to 4-20-12

Winthrop, WA.

Russell Curtis Magnuson was born on a farm in Clear Lake, on September 3, 1927. He graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1945 and went on to River Falls State College (UW River Falls), graduating with a BS degree in mathematics. He later received his MA in mathematics at Washington State University. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division during the Korean War. Russell taught at Central Kitsap High School in Silverdale, WA where he met Betty Jean Shaffer. They were married in 1957 in Bellevue, WA. While living in Bellevue, Russ taught at Highland Jr. High, Sammamish High School, and Bellevue Community College. He retired from BCC in 1984. Russ and Betty then moved to the Methow Valley and lived a joyful life in Winthrop, WA.Russell is survived by his wife, Betty of Winthrop; his sister Opal Soltis of East Wenatchee, WA; brother Donald (Mary) Magnuson of TX; and sister-in-law Jan Magnuson of OR.He is loved and missed by his three children and their families – L. Christine Magnuson (William Kann) of Everett, WA; Karen (Frank) Sherwood of Bellevue, WA and John (Donna) Magnuson of North Bend, WA. His beloved grandchildren are: Russell Herzog, Joseph Magnuson, Emily Sherwood, Jodie Magnuson, Molly Sherwood and Adrienne Kann. He is also survived by nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends around the country. A memorial gathering is planned for Saturday, May 5th at the Eagles Aerie in Twisp, WA from 5 PM to 7PM.