Robert Alfred Magnusson

After graduating from high school in 1949, Robert enlisted in the Navy for three years and then attended the University of Idaho before graduating from the University of Illinois where he was the President of the Delta Chi Fraternity. His first job was for Shell Oil in Chicago, then Uarco Business Forms, which led to work at the chemical exporter Celanese, and from there he became Vice President of Sterns and Foster which launched his successful career at Simmons Mattress as Chairman of the Board, President and CEO until he retired in 1993. Robert was voted Man of the Year for the City of Hope in 1988 and throughout his life enjoyed golfing, tennis and racquetball. Robert is survived by his wife Kathleen Basset Magnusson of 29 years; his daughters, Kelly Rose Magnusson of Sandy Springs, Mary Rose Magnusson of Sandia Park, NM; his son Norman Alfred Magnusson of Woodstock, NY; 6 grandchildren, Bradley Robert Ramon Magnusson of Sandy Springs, Robert “Tito” Rivera Magnusson and Rachel Bernstein of Sandia Park, Daisy Magnusson, Alice Magnusson, and Moss Magnusson of Woodstock; sister, Louise Edwards (Jim) of Aurora, IL—predeceased by her twin Maguerite Foster; 12 nieces and nephews are also remembered. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 6, 2011 from 5-7:00 p.m. at Sandy Springs Chapel, 136 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. A Mass will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, Monday, March 7, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Arlington Memorial Park. There will be a reception at St. Jude following the interment. Internet remembrances may be recorded at www.mem.com. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to an educational endowment fund. Please contact Kristi Thelen at UBS financial services for details (404) 760-3050.