Gerald M. Magnuson

Gerald M. Magnuson, 80, of Tarpon Springs, FL and formerly of Rockford, passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2010. Born May 2, 1930, in Rockford, IL, he was the son of Martin and Janet (Keenan) Magnuson. He married Beverly Brackett on September 12, 1977.

Jerry attended St. Thomas High School until he enlisted in the Marines, where he earned the World War II Victory Medal. Upon his return from the service, he began his career as a Quality Control Supervisor at Amerock. Shortly after, he entered the Bricklayers Union as a Journeyman Bricklayer later serving as Business Agent. During this time, he also travelled throughout Illinois as a basketball referee for the Illinois High School Association. In 1962, Jerry left bricklaying and became a successful bar and nightclub owner. He owned and managed The Northern Star, Stardust Lounge, Bull Room, Maggie's Pub and Snoopy's in Rockford and The Lamplighter in Ottawa, IL, as well as having interests in other bars and clubs bringing top level entertainment to Rockford. From the fan dancing of Sally Rand to the rock ‘n roll of Bill Haley & the Comets to his pride in bringing Cheap Trick and Chicago onto the stage at the Stardust, Jerry enjoyed the music and entertainment industry and loved meeting the diversity of people associated with the business.

Jerry founded Magnuson Industries, Inc. in 1976. The company has grown into the world's largest manufacturer of measuring liquor pourers with millions in use today. His vision and determination continue to inspire family who carry on his legacy at Magnuson Industries.

Jerry loved the game of golf. In 1981, he moved to Innisbrook Golf Resort in Tarpon Springs, FL, where over the years, he mastered its three championship courses and continued to play with his devoted friend and partner in crime, Larry Kirk.

Jerry will always be remembered with much love for his sense of humor, his generosity and his strength of character. For those who knew him, especially his grandchildren, he was always larger than life, and he will be dearly missed. A devout Catholic, Jerry and his wife, Beverly, made several visits to Medjugorje, Lourdes and the Vatican.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Beverly, daughter Nancy (Robert) Gough, son Stewart (Cathy) Magnuson, grandchildren, Jason (Michelle), Zachary, Cody and Hannah Gough, Sarah and Michael Magnuson, great-grandchildren Medea and Athena Gough, stepsons Lane (Johnnie) Johnson, Michael (Vanessa), Anthony (Sheri) Brackett, stepdaughter Kathy O'Dierno, step grandchildren Tim and Tara Johnson, Jake, Janelle and Krystal Pineo, Skylar, Amanda, Alexander and Peter Brackett, and Samantha Allen, brother Raymond (Patricia) Magnuson, sisters-in-law Shirley and Marilyn Magnuson, former wife and mother of his children, Annabelle Fair and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was predeceased by parents, brothers Ronald and Lenny and stepdaughter, Laurie Boula. Jerry is also survived by his adopted family and friends in Florida, (where he was fondly known as "The Mayor of Innisbrook"), especially Larry and Carolyn Kirk, Doug and Claire Laseter, Jay and Sally Overton and his "guardian angels" Becky, Deborah, Denise, Diane and Kim.

A Memorial Celebration was held at Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs, FL on Thursday, December 16, 2010. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, December 20, at St. James Catholic Church, 428 N. Second St., Rockford, with Father Beauvais officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, at Sundberg Funeral Home, 215 N. Sixth St., and also from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jerry's name to: Father James J. Murphy Memorial Fund, The Alzheimer's Association, or the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Online condolences may be made at www.sundbergfh.com.

Sunday, December 19, 2010 4 - 6 pm in Sundberg Funeral Home, Ltd. Monday, December 20, 2010 9 - 9:45 in St. James Catholic Church, 428 N. Second St., Rockford, IL

Monday, December 20, 2010 10:00 am in St. James Catholic Church, 428 N. Second St., Rockford, IL