Steven Lawrence Magnusen Sr.

Steve was born on April 16, 1948, in Covina, CA. He graduated from Pomona High School in 1966. He earned a BA from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and an MBA from North Carolina State University.

Steve enlisted in the US Coast Guard in 1971 and worked in war planning and reserve readiness. Duty stations included New Orleans LA, Alexandria VA, Washington DC, Long Beach CA, Cleveland OH, and Roosevelt Roads Puerto Rico. It was during his tour in Alexandria that Steve met and married Bobette Roper in 1980. Steve retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 1991. He and Bobette then settled in Cary, NC where he was the Financial Coordinator for Cary First Baptist Church until 2020.

A quiet man of Faith Steve had the gift of service. His life was dedicated to serving God, his family and his country. Steve eschewed the spotlight, instead playing a supportive role in the background for his family and friends. He had a wry, dry sense of humor and was especially accomplished in “the art of the pun.”

An expert trombonist, Steve was a member of several local groups including Cary Town Band, Raleigh Concert Band, Chapel Hill Philharmonia, Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Holly Springs Community Band and The Bluenotes Dixieland Jazz Band. He also was a regular member of seasonal orchestras for many Cary church congregations, sometimes playing two or more services on a Sunday. Steve frequently substituted in the Duke Basketball Pep Band when student musicians were absent during Christmas break.

Steve is survived by his wife Bobette, his daughter Beverly Heustess and his son, Steven Magnusen, Jr. He is also survived by Beverly’s husband Aaron (whom Steve considered a “bonus” son) and their children Evelyn and Eleanor Heustess who were the delight and joy of Steve’s life. Additional survivors are Steve’s sisters Carol Davis and Karen Tait (Bob). He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy Magnusen and Barbara Toler Magnusen Dunn.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service of Death and Resurrection at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022, at First United Methodist Church located at 117 S. Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Steve’s memory to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839 or redcross.org.