John F. Magner age 83 of Buffalo, formerly of Delano died at Park View Care Center in Buffalo, Minnesota on Thursday, June 23, 2011. He was born August 2, 1927 to Michael and Esther (Dugan) Magner in Watertown, Minnesota.

John was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Delano, filling such roles as lector, Eucharistic minister and as a member of the adult choir. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, serving in such capacities as Grand Knight and then joining the 4th Degree. John also served on the planning committee for the Cherub Corner in Delano. He was employed by John Deere Inc. and upon retirement he spent many hours fishing on the lake. He also enjoyed woodworking in his spare time.

In Buffalo, John and his wife Leona would volunteer their time at the Senior Center, Buffalo Food Shelf and was a member of the singing group “The Goldenaires” where the group would perform at nursing homes in the community.

John was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Helen Campbell and Michael Magner. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Leona; children, Brian (Shannon), Mark, Marlene, Steven, Fr. Kevin, John Jr. (Tracy), Kim (Scott Rosenthal), Kelly (Brian) Harstad, and Kyle; grandchildren Maya and Gavin Carson, Collin, Jack and Willie Magner, Erin (Tina) Phillips, Liz (Matt) Christianson, Ethan, Tate, Shane and Brody Harstad; great-grandchildren, Gabe and Shelby Christianson; sisters Rita (Joe) Ryan, Mary Nolan; sister-in-law, Fran Magner.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Delano, Minnesota. Rev. Kevin Magner celebrated the Mass with Rev. Paul Kammen and Rev. David Hennen concelebrating. Interment with military honors was provided by the Delano American Legion Post #377 at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to North Memorial Hospice.