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