LeRoy Magnuson, 82, Valley City, ND passed away at his home surrounded by family while under hospice care on March 12, 2024.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 16 at 10:30 AM in Trinity Lutheran Church, Valley City.  Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the church with a prayer service beginning at 7:00.  He will be laid to rest this spring at Memory Gardens near Valley City.  The services will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with his obituary on his tribute page at www.lerudmathias.com.  An online guestbook is available there as well.  Arrangements are being handled by Lerud Mathias Funeral Home, Valley City.

LeRoy Alvin Magnuson was born December 24, 1941, at Mercy Hospital in Valley City, ND to Samuel and Emma (Hass) Magnuson.  As a child, the family moved to Spokane WA, then to Hope ND.  During his high school years, he played basketball and football for Hope High School he was proud to be a Hope Hustler.  His daily workouts included walking uphill both ways to get to and from school.

In 1961, LeRoy Moved back to Valley City ND where he married The love of his life, Edith Karen Hoffmeyer.  He began working at Morrow's Hatchery, and later he went to work for Valley Paint and Glass installing flooring.

Eventually LeRoy branched out on his own to start LeRoy's Flooring.  His son, Scott, worked alongside him until LeRoy retired in 2003.  They installed flooring and renovated homes.  After retirement. LeRoy went back to work driving bus for South Central Senior Center until his health forced him to stop.

His passion was the Valley City Fire Department. His journey started as a fire fighter.  He was named Lieutenant of the Valley City Barnes County Rescue Squad. Later he became the Lieutenant of Engine 501 and later Rural Engine 505.  Next, he became Captain / Safety Officer. Later he was appointed as Assistant Fire Chief which he held until his retirement from active duty.  This last position was his favorite, and he took the job to a whole new level. Having served actively for 46 years. At which time he became an Honorary member.  LeRoy was also a life member of the ND Fire Fighter Association.

LeRoy was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley City.  He was a charter member of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club ND 1. LeRoy was a member of the Valley City Eagles Club.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; sons, Scott (Debbie) and Dewey (Darci); grandchildren, Justin (Solveig), Josh (Addie), Jordan (Cameryn), Max, and Abby; great grandchildren, Jett, Ace, and Krieger; and a sister, Betty Ann Englehardt. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Harold (Mae) Magnuson, Evelyn (Clarence) Zaun, Adeline (Paul) Zaun, Helen Gilbo, Della (Barney) Swenson and Lloyd Magnuson.

The family suggests donations be made in LeRoy's memory to the Valley City Fire and Rescue Squad.