Ray Francis Magnuson, age 78 of Roberts, WI passed away peacefully on December 26, 2020 at the River Falls Area Hospital. Ray was born on September 26, 1942 in St. Paul, MN to Ray and Agnus Magnuson. Ray graduated from North St. Paul High School in 1962.  After high school Ray met the love of his life, Virginia Bargy, and they were married October 15, 1964. This union blessed them with 5 children, Larry, Jim, Steve, Rob, and Hilarie, and 56 years of marriage. Ray worked as a Master Farrier his entire life.

Ray was truly a one-of-a-kind person. He was very active member of River City Ironworks Gym as a power lifter. He had a passion for animals and the care of them. Ray dedicated his life to being a master farrier and the care of horses. He grew to be a renowned in his field horse breeders from all over the country would fly him in to get his expertise on their situations. He also was the main farrier for the Minnesota State Fair for 25 years working on some of the most prestigious thoroughbred horses. Ray was a simple hardworking man who really couldn’t take a break ever. Ray’s family could never take vacations with him because of how uncomfortable he would be about not working or being busy. He never missed a day of work – he almost considered it a “sin” to not work for any reason. A few of the other things he enjoyed was playing cards with his family, trail riding with Virginia, hunting, and anything outdoors, he was particularly fond of digging holes.  Also, every Monday for 40+ years he had lunch with a group of his best friends and played liars poker at a café in River Falls.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Virginia; children, Larry Magnuson, Steve Magnuson, Rob Magnuson, and Hilarie Duval; siblings, Margret Haak, Greg Magnuson, and Betty Cronin; 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jim Magnuson; parents Ray and Agnes Magnuson; and siblings, Christopher Magnuson, Paul Magnuson, John Magnuson, Steve Magnuson, and Pat Magnuson.

Memorials are preferred to the family of Ray Magnuson sent to: O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 225 South 3rd Street, River Falls, WI 54022

Funeral services are entrusted to O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls, WI. www.ocbenedict.com 715-425-5644.