Former professor loved contact with students
Sharyl Majorski worked with former chemistry professor Kenneth Magnell on numerous lab experiments.
“He really cared about the students and he wanted their lab experiences to be the best they could possibly be,” said Majorski, chemistry lab coordinator. “He spent many, many hours on little details just to make sure the lab would be perfect.”
Magnell – who taught chemistry at Central Michigan University for 33 years until retiring in December 2003 – died while being transported to University of Michigan Hospital Saturday, Feb. 4, at the age of 67.
He was married for 15 years to Ruth Magnell, who said the cause of death was undetermined and autopsy results are pending.
Majorski said she remembers Magnell’s strong work ethic and friendliness on the job.
She said she had much in common with Magnell, as both graduated from Wayne State University and both were deeply involved with their churches.
“Even when he was retired we kept in contact,” she said. “I had just seen him in early January and he actually looked fine.”
Majorski said they often talked about family and traveling.
“Anyone who got to know him, he made a lasting impression on,” she said.
Edmund Benson, associate chemistry professor, worked with Magnell during all 33 years the professor was on campus.
Besides their occupation, the two had something else in common - their July 27, 1938 birthday.
Benson said Magnell put all his energy into teaching and always was concerned with ways to improve his teaching techniques.
“I enjoyed many years with him as a colleague and a friend,” he said.
Ruth Magnell said her husband volunteered with Meals on Wheels, a charity that provides meals to senior citizens, and he enjoyed reading and traveling in the couple’s motor-home.
“I’ll always remember his love of the outside, his caring for nature, traveling with him,” she said.
She and her husband traveled to see their five children wherever they were located, ranging from Muskegon to Alaska.
“One of our favorite times was when we were on our son’s fishing boat in Alaska for nine days two years ago,” she said.
Ruth Magnell said her husband always loved the time he had at CMU.
“It was the one thing he missed when he retired - the contact with students,” she said.
Along with his wife and five children, Kenneth Magnell also is survived by nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, two brothers and a sister.
