Emma Elizabeth Olson Magnuson, 98

Emma Elizabeth Olson Magnuson, 98, passed away peacefully with family at her bedside on July 5, 2022, in San Jose, Calif.
Emma was born on the family farm in Lake Bronson, Minn., delivered by her maternal grandmother. She was the second generation of Scandinavian immigrants and farmers. She was the third child of four children born to Sivert and Emma Olson.
Emma married Roy Magnuson for life. Roy was a career Naval officer so together, with their two children, they toured far and wide. They lived in Hawaii and Japan, and on both coasts. Emma was happy to keep house and cook and raise their two kids. Every new home was welcoming and set up very quickly with stylish touches, and furnishings and paintings and decor from around the world.
Emma herself was the fashion icon of the family. She had flair and a personality with zest and love of life, especially dancing. Emma played clarinet and piano as a high school girl. She was queen of the Kittson County Fair back then. She went to every high school reunion and recounted her memories of back in the day to all her family.
Emma’s love of music never stopped. In her later years, she was proud and excited to go to her grandson, Steven’s, gigs. She loved the song “Not Old Yet.” Most everyone called her Grammie and she was in her happy place when music was being played. Grammie loved hats and more hats, and especially one sailing hate from her son, Ron. She was always one to show up for her grandkids’ events in a hat! She loved to bake bread, beans and divinity.
It is safe to say, Grammie made her life about family. She was the hostess with the mostest and rarely missed a family event. She loved all of us and we loved her back without reservation. She had a rare, enthusiastic attitude that will keep her in our memories forever.
She is survived by younger sister, Rosalie Forrest; daughter, Cyndy Thomas; son-in-law, Dr. Glenn Thomas; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; six nieces and one nephew.
She was predeceased by: older brother, Arthur; sister, Marian; her husband, Roy Magnuson; son, Ronald Magnuson; grandson, Eric Magnuson.
She will be laid to rest in the family plot at Riverside Cemetery, Lake Bronson, on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 3 p.m.