Patricia Ann Magnuson, age 96, of Miles City was an angel on earth and now is spreading her angel wings with Jesus in Heaven. She peacefully passed away with family by her side on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
Little Patsy was born in Miles City, Montana, to Herman and Phoebe (Gerhardt) Elbert. She joined sister, Myra, and brother, Bill. Those three worked hard at an early age to help their parents make ends meet. They also had many adventures together!
While in high school, Patsy moved to California with her mother where she attended high school for a short while and also did some modeling. The photographer told her many of the beautiful actresses at the time had nothing on her!
Pat came back to Miles City and graduated from Custer County High School in 1944. She married her high school sweetheart, Gus Magnuson, in February of 1947, after he returned from New Guinea when the war ended. Together, they raised six children: Sally, Sandy, Jill, Jane, Bob, and Nancy.
In 1955, she and Gus bought the house on Pearl Street. They began remodeling at once. In 1959, while still remodeling, they leased a lot in the mountains south of Red Lodge and built a cabin together, with the help of all six kids. The cabin still brings much peace and Joy.
Pat wore numerous hats and surprised all with her many talents! Throughout her earlymid adult life, she taught piano lessons and exercise classes, and directed many Christian musicals in Miles City. She was a long-time member of First Lutheran Church and sang in the church choir, and directed it for a time.
She also was involved in bringing Christian Women’s Club and Friendship Bible Coffees to eastern Montana. She traveled the eastern part of the state, giving talks about her relationship with Jesus. She didn’t just talk the talk, she walked the walk.
Pat shared Gus’s interest in flying and became a pilot in the 70’s. She flew herself around the area to give Christian Women’s Club talks. She and Gus spent many hours together flying their airplanes.
Pat continued her love of music and the Bible, even organizing Bible studies and playing for church services in the extended care residences she lived in later in life.
Family was everything to Pat. During the Covid pandemic she lived with her granddaughter and family in Billings and became involved with and was baptized again at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Billings at 95 years of age. She continued to inspire young and old as she aged. Her family grew and grew and she remained a constant source of love for all of us.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her eldest daughter, Sally, in 1999, and her loving husband of 66 years, Gus, in 2013. She was the last of her generation in our family and we are so thankful to have enjoyed her for so many years!
She leaves behind her children; Sandy Brownfield (Keith), Jill Solomon (Lynn), Jane Robertson (Gary), Bob Magnuson (Joni), Nancy Tennant (Kevin) and son-in-law Ken Neumiller (Janet), as well as 16 grandchildren, and numerous greatgrandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Family will receive friends on Monday, April 10th, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at The Parlor 1806 Main Street in Miles City. A memorial service on Tuesday, April 11th, at 11:00 a.m. with interment following at Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the VFW.
A special thank you goes out to Aspen Meadows and Compassus Hospice for their tender loving care for our mom.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday April 10, 2023
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Tuesday April 11, 2023
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday April 10, 2023
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Tuesday April 11, 2023
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Brandie K says
She was one of my favorite residents in Residential Living! Fly high Pat <3
Patsy says
I’m so thankful for the comfort she was to me in my mom’s last months of life. Her room was across the hall. We’d talk memories of Christian women’s club decorations, working with my challenging paternal grandmother ( Patsy, typical of herself, thought grandma was so nice😄…my relatives about choked when I shared that tidbit), and talked about the Lord and his word. We chuckled over the fact that years ago she was also “Patsy”, so that was part of our fun exchanges.
There’s nothing in the human language to cover the pain from the loss you feel, but we know that the same Jesus she’s with now can comfort you in ways that we can’t. We pray for you, and remember her with great joy.
Denise Harvey says
Dear Jill and family,
What a beautiful lady! Happy to have known her! May you be blessed by precious memories and the legacy she has left!
Denise Oberlander Harvey
Audrey Haumschild says
Aww so sad to see this . But we all will go one day . She was the sweetest person ever . I was lucky to look after her when she was in Holy Rosary. She was such a wonderful lady . We always had a pray together everyday. RIP Pat . Biggest Hugs to her family.
Pam Bunke says
Jill and family,
So sorry for your loss. I have fun memories of your mom. Loved her tiered strawberry beds, trips you all shared to Red Lodge. That incredible long kitchen table, where I learned about instant milk. She was a cool mom and loved to visit. May all the memories you made give you peace during this sad time.
Pam Bunke
Chelsea Wilkinson says
To Bob, Joni, and all of Pat’s family,
It breaks my heart to see that Pat is gone. She was a very special woman! I was one of her CNAs at Residential Living. I thought about her a lot and miss her hugs! I pray that you all have peace.
Carol Kraudy Petersen says
Dear Jill and family,
What a beautiful and gracious lady she was. I have so many great memories of her and your family. Loved the trips to your cabin in Red Lodge. She taught me how to make tuna casserole.
May you find peace in the great legacy she left your family.
Carol Kraudy Petersen
Marc and Denise Hartse says
Denise and I wish to extend our condolences to the family. We were sorry to hear of her passing.
Jessie Leidholt says
To Pat’s family, Jim and I am so sorry to read of the loss of your mom. What a wonderful long time she graced the earth. Hugs to all of you.
Jackie Stroh says
Rest in Peace Dear Sweet Pat! So happy to get to know you taking care of you at Residential Living in Miles City. I never did get to stop and see you after you moved to Billings to be near family. Condolences to the family of Pat. You are with the Angels now. Fly High beauty Pat.
Bernadette Miller says
I remember Pat from many years back when my Mom and I were involved in Christian Woman’s Club and my Mom and I and Pat were in charge of making cute name tags for the dinners. We always had a good time with Pat. She was a very prayerful lady.
Linda L Simonsen says
To Pat’s family, I met Pat when she lived at HREC. My dad, Paul, and I played pinochle with her on card day and often got in an extra game on Sunday afternoon. She was such a classy, kind, and thoughtful lady –it was an honor to know her and a blessing to spend time with her. Hugs and prayers for your family.
Shannon Holmen says
My prayers to all who loved her. So sorry for your loss.
Sandy Rabe says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all God Bless.
Anita Scheeler says
Prayers to you all! She was quite a remarkable woman with a beautiful heart!
Jim and Anita Scheeler
Diane Peanuts Money says
Sandy,Keith and family-Very sorry to hear about your Mom-Great Lady! Sending prayers your way!
Ed and Becky Gergen says
We are sorry to hear about your mother.
Scott and Sue Jens. says
Bob, Joni,Jill,and Nancy Sue and I sending out heart felt prayers for the loss of your mother.
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to Pat’s family in the days ahead. Cherish the memories of a very special lady.
Kent Walter Frette says
Sandy, Keith, and family: My sincere condolences.
Dale Valach says
Jill
I am saddened to learn that you Mother has passed. Even though she clearly had a full life, it has to be a difficult parting. My prayers go out to you and the extended Magnuson family. Take comfort knowing that she is with her Savior now and in a truly amazing place.
Dale
Andrea Carlson says
Lovely lady. I was honored to bring you Holy Communion
At Holy Rosary.
I enjoyed our chats putting the world to rights.
I know you are in the arms of Jesus now.
Your are very special and will never be forgotten.
Joan Smith says
May God bless you all during this sad time, but what a celebration of life I’m sure she will have.
Please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers as you lay your mom to rest with your dad.
Joan Damm Smith
Jack and Glenda Lockie says
So very sorry for loss. Prayers for all of you.
Mimi Peckham says
Although I didn’t know Pat, I know her daughter, Nancy. After reading the obituary, I realize that Nancy has the same heart and soul and even a physical resemblance. Nancy and family, sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Gene Fougner says
Almost never does a week go by that I am not reminded of Pat’s influence in my life just because she was herself. No particular lecturing or teaching or even judgement…mostly asking questions that made you think and plan together with her. She pulled you in. Unconditional love comes to mind. I was so pleased that she and Gus kindly entertained me and my husband of 40 years, Stuart, in their home last time I attended a class reunion. She was a second Mom to me as well as my deceased sister Tami. Never got to that Red Lodge cabin, but my sister did. Goodbye friend and mentor.
Carol and Bing Cherry says
Sandy and Bob and families: So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Bing and I are out of town so will no be able to attend. But wanted you to know are thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lorretta Rebsom says
Wow what an amazing lady Patricia was and what a legacy she left here on earth.
I am so sorry and I am so happy knowing she has left such beautiful memories with her family and friends. She was such an inspiration and her sweet disposition was admired, one that made you want to be just like her.
Sue Zagorda says
What a wonderful lady – I have many fond memories of her. You were all blessed!
Joyce Freeman says
Sandy, Keith and families – May your memories of Pat’s loving example give you peace through the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Cathi Peila says
Pat was an amazing lady. I first met her through Christian Womens Club committees and Friendship Bible Studies but much later enjoyed visiting regularly and sharing prayer with her while she was in Extended Care. She was always gracious, concerned for others around her and very proud of her family. Blessings of peace and comfort for all the family. She leaves a lasting legacy.
Mary Ann Stoltz says
Sorry for loss Bob and family!
Prayers for you all! Mary Ann stoltz
Janet says
I am sorry I didn’t make the service. But I wanted you to know this story. When I first moved to the area, 30 years ago, I was a young stay at home Mom in the country. Miss Pat, Miss Lorraine and Miss Pauline would come out to the Diamond Ring Ranch once a week to have a private Bible Study with me since I didn’t know anyone. There were a great inspiration and a huge blessing to me. She also did a study with one of my nieces years later. I kept in touch somewhat over the years. The last time I seen Pat, we were square dancing for the residents a few years back and it was such a treat to visit with her and she still remembered me. What a positive Godly influence she was. So sorry for your loss, but I am sure she is spending eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Janet
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Sandy, Keith and all your family’s-
My sincere sympathy in the loss of a beautiful lady, inside and out. Big hugs to all of you.