Erna Fischer Magnuson, 82, of Ada, Minnesota, died Friday, March 19, 2010, at Bridges Care Community, Ada, Minnesota.

Erna was born on June 10, 1927 in Graceville, MN, and was raised on a farm near Chokio, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Johnson, MN. She graduated from West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, MN, and then worked at Dr. Oliver's Clinic in Graceville a number of years. Erna married Richard McCarthy and they had two daughters, Diane and JoAnne. After many job-related moves, Erna and her daughters settled in Alexandria, MN, where she worked in retail for many years. While there, she was re-acquainted with Wesley Magnuson, a high school friend, and they were married in 1974 and settled in Ada. In 1978, they bought a camper and began traveling south in the winter months. In 1985, they joined a group called Roving Volunteers in Christ's Service and would travel to where they were needed, i.e. Bible Camps, schools, and churches doing "fix-it" jobs, such as carpentry work, painting, plumbing, sewing, etc. Many blessings were received and many close friendships were formed in those seven years. They then settled in Mesa, AZ, during the winter months through 2003. After that they then stayed home in Ada year-around.

Erna loved to sew. Her children often wore hand-sewn clothes. She enjoyed gardening and outdoor work while she was able, and also quilting, reading, writing letters and keeping house for her husband. She loved her God; she loved her family, and was so proud of her grandchildren and then her beautiful great-grandchildren.

Erna is survived by her husband, Wes, daughters, Diane Hendricks, Carrollton, TX, JoAnne (Jim) Hartman, Wahpeton, ND, step-daughters, Marsha (Bob) Johnson, Bonnie Jensen, both of Ada, MN, a sister, Ruth Zimmerman, one brother, Vernon (Rouane) Fischer, both of Chokio, MN, grandchildren, Jeff, Aaron, Kent, Jyl, Melanie, JoDee, and great-grandchildren, Timothy, Barak, Tyler, Joey, Michaela, Jakob, Morgan, Blake, Christian and Brandon. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Richard, granddaughter, Lisa, one brother Oliver, and son-in-law, Bill Hendricks.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.
Visitation: Monday from 5:00-7:00pm at the Fredrikson Funeral Home, Ada, MN
Burial: Ada Municipal Cemetery

Arrangements with Fredrikson Funeral Home
Ada, Minnesota (218-784-4600)