Donald Lloyd Magner, 89 of Thief River Falls, MN passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Karlstad Healthcare Center in Karlstad, MN with his loving family by his side.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with the service to celebrate Donald’s life at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Newfolden, MN.
Don was born on December 5, 1936, in Newfolden, MN at home. Their home was north of Newfolden on a farm where he was raised. He attended rural school through 8th grade and graduated from Newfolden High School class of 1956.
On October 6, 1962, Donald was united in marriage to Bonita Dee Johnson near Thief River Falls at the home of Bonnie’s parents by a Minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls, and five children were born to this union: Kent, Paul, Kelly, Nathan and Joshua.
Don owned and operated The Dynamite Drive-in in Thief River Falls, worked at Arctic Cat as a lead man on the assembly line and as a test driver, worked as a cook at Best Western in Thief River Falls, and worked in the oil fields in Williston, ND.
Don loved horses, snowmobiling, hunting, & cooking. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports and watching Minnesota college and professional sports.
Survivors include his loving children, Kent Magner of Thief River Falls, Kelly (Brian) Gillund of Middle River, MN, Nathan Magner of Slidell, LA, and Joshua Magner of Newfolden, MN; grandchildren, Chaslin (Steve) Janzow, MacKinzie (Tyler) Schulz, Zoey (fiancé Hunter Kasprowicz) Magner, Chloee Magner; great-grandchildren, Charlotte & Braxton Schulz, Gemma and Eden Janzow; sister, Opal Tanner of Middle River, MN.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Bonnie on September 10, 2024; son, Paul; parents, Glen and Agnes (Skadsem) Magner; siblings, Cecil Magner, Gaylord Magner, Orlin Magner, Beatrice Israelson, and Gene Magner.
Condolences to the Magner family .