Betty Magnusson

Betty Lee Magnusson of Rothsay MN, died Friday, May 8th, 2026 at Pioneer Care Center in Fergus Falls MM. Betty went to her heavenly home at the age of 96. (John 3:16)

Born February 15th, 1930 in Britton SD, she was the first child of Harold and Freida (Seeman) McLaughlin. She had many stories of living on the farm during the dust bowl years before moving to town. She grew up in Havana ND along with her brother Robert (Bob) and sister Connie Lou.

Betty moved to Fargo after High School and worked for Standard Oil Company. There she met her future husband and the love of her life, Stephen (Bud) Magnusson, on a blind date. They married June 5th, 1949 and celebrated 75 years of marriage in 2024. They made their home in Rothsay MN where they resided for 73 years and raised their three daughters, Stephanie (Allen) Aaberg, Karol (Duane) Carlsrud and Cheri (John) McLaughlin. They welcomed 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren into the family.

Betty loved and served Jesus and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her courage in her ten year battle with cancer and her positive attitude were amazing. God healed her and she lived her 26 bonus years enjoying life and loving people.

Betty was a wonderful Mom, a homemaker, a gardener, a campfire girl leader, a Sunday School teacher, active in her church, sewing club, Auxiliary and Bible studies. She loved birds, elephants and pie.

Preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brother Robert McLaughlin, sister and brother-law, Connie and Jack Hare, son-in law Duane Carlsrud, father-in-law and mother-in-law Stephen and Esther Magnusson, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, June and Nord Hanson and niece, Kerry Krump.

Survived by her daughters and two sons-in-law, her cherished grandchildren, Gretchen (Jeff) Beil, Patrick (Colleen) Aaberg, Nathan (Stacy) Carlsrud, Anna (Scott) Manders, Jared (Joanna) Aaberg, Katie (Aaron) Mathis, Megan (Matt) Hall, Heidi (Craig) Campbell, great-grandchildren, Maggie (Mike) Orte, Molly (Jordan) Manley, Chloe Cantlon, Lily, Sam, and Finn Aaberg, Ava and Grayson Mathis, Nora, Magnus, Isaac and Esther Campbell, Carter and Jameson Hall and Connor Aaberg, her great-great-grandchildren Aiden and Elias Orte, sister-in-law, Midge McLaughlin, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and special friends Sue Erickson and Marlys Winkles.

Memorials are preferred to HIA Hospice, PioneerCare in Fergus Falls or the organization of the donor's choice.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026 at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Randy Whitehead

Interment: Our Saviors Cemetery, Rothsay, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com