Ray A. Magnuson

Ray Arthur Magnuson passed away at his home in Zionsville, Indiana, on November 2nd, 2026, at the age of 89. He is survived by his spouse of 58 years, Barbara Louise Magnuson, and his three daughters Heidi Louise (Magnuson) Hoffman (Steve Hoffman), Gretel Ruth Deem Magnuson, and Liesel K. (Magnuson) Hanchett (Russell Hanchett). Ray had five grandchildren: Cody Ray Crockett, Ella Louise Hoffman, Ted Deem, Ruth Deem, and Andy Deem; and two great grandchildren: Brookelynn Crockett and Bella Rae Crockett. Ray was known by his grandchildren as “Pop pop” and “Beba”. Preceding him in death was his sister, Kay Helen Magnuson Wenninger Sheahan, and his parents Vida Davis and Arthur Magnuson.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Oklahoma, Ray graduated from Oklahoma State with an electrical engineering degree and a master’s from Santa Clara University. He worked for Philco-Ford, General Electric, and Hewlett Packard before retiring from Hewlett Packard after 34 years of service. Ray also served as a tax preparer with H & R Block for 31 years and Intuit/Turbo Tax for six years. Ray worked for Intuit up until the day of his death. Ray also did volunteer tax work with AARP for many years, both in California and Indiana. Ray was highly regarded and well respected by friends, family, and co-workers. Inspired by his grandfather to pursue engineering, Andy Deem is honored to carry on Ray’s legacy as an electrical engineer.

Ray enjoyed serving their home church, Christ Church United Methodist, in Santa Rosa, California. He assisted with sound for worship services for many years, as well as being actively involved in the finance team, the choir, and the bell choir. Musically gifted, Ray sang with a barbershop quartet when his daughters were young and a glee choir in college. Ray was an avid fudge maker, wine connoisseur, coffee lover, and chocolate aficionado. He enjoyed cooking, puzzle making, and reading. Ray was well acquainted with his local library and kept a running list of all the books he’d read by his favorite authors. Ray’s motto for meals was “dessert first”. His motto for life was “others first”. Ever the gentleman, he is remembered by many for his kindness, compassion, and generosity.

Ray and Barbara Magnuson were married in 1967 at First Friends Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana. They raised their children in Santa Rosa, California. They were actively involved with their oldest daughter’s family for many years before moving to Indiana in 2019 to be closer to family in the Midwest. Even after their move to Indiana, Ray went back to California to visit friends and family as often as he could for as long as he was physically able. Family was of utmost importance to Ray.

A private burial service will be held in Richmond, Indiana, on November 21st. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2027, exact date yet to be determined. Donations can be made in memory of Ray Magnuson to Christ Church United Methodist, 1717 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA, 95405.

Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel assisting with arrangements. To share a memory, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.