Chuck's obituary
Charles "Chuck" Stevenson Magner, 93, of Sarasota, Florida, (formerly from Centerville, Indiana and Saint Joseph, Michigan) peacefully passed away on October 25, 2021. Chuck was born on August 28, 1928 to Harold and Lois Magner in the bustling town of Morris, Illinois.
After Chuck graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1947, he started working in retail sales at Sears & Roebuck. Chuck was passionate about being a salesman and loved what he was do for a living. Chuck first career choice was the food industry. Working for Hormel foods and later excepting a position with Folgers Coffee as a traveling district salesman. He always purchased new Rambler Ambassador Station Wagons to be used as his company car. He found them comfortable, reliable and economical to drive.
Chuck really loved cars, especially Ramblers! In 1965 Chuck made a bold move and went into the automobile business with his friend Forrest "Bud" Skelley. In 1965 the two purchased Furlan Bros Rambler in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The dealership name was changed to Blossomland Rambler of the Twin Cities. American Motors decided to drop the Rambler name after the 1969 model year the dealership was forced to change the name by Corporate to Blossomland Motors. These were exciting times when American Motors went from shedding the Rambler economy imagine to entering the performance car era. Muscle cars like the Javelin, AMX, SC/Rambler and “The Machine” were now on the showroom floors. Dealers around the country attended AMC sponsored Trans-Am and drag racing events with family and friends. Blossomland Motors purchased one of 52 specially prepared SS/AMX’s built for AMC Dealers to campaign. The partnership between Chuck and Bud was dissolved in 1971 and the dealership was closed it's doors 1972. Chuck was offered a position with Nissan USA as a District Parts Manager covering the states of Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. Chuck retired in 1990 from Nissan USA. after over 40 years in the retail sales field.
While retired, Chuck had time to pursue his love of NASH, Rambler and AMC automobiles! Chuck loved attending with his Nash Ambassadors and Rambler convertibles. Nash Car Club of America and Rambler Club car meets are held in different states around the country. Chuck's favorite part of the meets were the Rambles and CB radios were used for communications between cars. His CB handle was "Chuckles"! Not only did Chuck attend meets he also gave back to the club, putting on "Grand Nashional" meets in Indianapolis and Auburn, Indiana. Chuck served on the board of directors of the Nash Car Club of America in the capacities of President, Vice President and Central Divisional Director. Chuck was also involved in Centerville Indiana, Janet's home town. Serving on the towns board, Centerville Car Club and the Centerville Lions Club. Chuck worked part time helping out friends Paul and Marie, owners of Elstro Oil Products.
Chuck was predeceased by his parents, sister Mary June Mathenia. Two daughters Karen Sue (Steve) Follman and Lois E. (Dave) Jury. Chuck is survived by his wife Janet G. Magner of Bradenton, Florida. Two sons, Philip S. (Alice) Magner of Modesto, California and James W. (Monica) Magner of Saint Joseph, Michigan. Two step children Sara Berry of Sarasota, Florida and Donald Berry of Centerville, Indiana .
Chuck also leaves behind his beloved tri-tone mint green, black and white 1956 Hudson Rambler. Named “mint chip”, after his favorite ice cream! In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Nash Preservation Foundation.