Featured Photo above: Then Society Executive Vice President Arnold Magnuson, AICPA President Phil Chenok, and Society Chairman Jim Rouch pose for a photo during an AICPA Council Meeting in the mid-1980s. Magnuson led the Society from 1958 to 1990, fully retiring in 1992. Chenok led the AICPA from 1980 to 1995. Rouch served as chairman of the Society in 1987-1988 and has been a Society member for 49 years. “Arnie was always a perfect gentleman and always kept his cool,” said Rouch, recalling memories of their work together on the Society’s Continuing Professional Education program.
Former Society President and Executive Director Dan Vodvarka (pictured left) remembered Arnold Magnuson (pictured right) for his devotion to family, his dedication to the CPA profession, and his service to his country.
The late 1950s were a turning point for the Nebraska Society of CPAs. In 1957, the Nebraska Legislature passed the Nebraska Public Accountancy Act and, in 1958, the Society brought on its first part-time staff person, Arnold Magnuson.
Magnuson, 98, was born Feb. 24, 1924, and died of natural causes on March 17, 2022.
At the time he was hired, membership in the Nebraska Society of CPAs stood at 207. During his 34-year tenure with the Society, Magnuson would guide the growth and expansion of the organization and eventually become its full-time executive vice president. He was the only Society employee until October 1972; at that time, the Society opened its first executive office in Lincoln, employing Magnuson as the executive director along with one secretary. When Magnuson fully retired in 1992, the Society membership had grown to approximately 2,400 CPAs.
“I recall working with Arnie in his early years with the Society and my early years in public accounting,” said Society Past Chairman (1992-1993) and 50-year member Keith Snyder. “He was always a pleasure to work with and a true professional. I believe the Society is what it is today because of the foundation Arnie created.”
“Arnie was a father figure for me as well as a mentor relating to my involvement with the Society,” said Society Past Chairman (1990-1991) and 47-year member Dave Emry. “He pushed me into becoming involved and, thanks to him, I have benefited from my involvement with my peers and am extremely grateful for his guidance and encouragement.”
“Arnold was not a man of many words. When he did speak, it was important,” recalled Society Past Chairman (1989-1990) and 46-year member Bill Strain. “He was just a true gentleman.”
Former Society President and Executive Director Dan Vodvarka succeeded Magnuson on Jan. 2, 1990. “It was a smooth transition because of Arnie’s guidance, patience, and professionalism. He was very proud of his family and dedicated to the service and advancement of the CPA profession in Nebraska. And he was a true World War II American hero,” stated Vodvarka.
Prior to his time at the Society, Magnuson, like so many of his generation, fought in World War II. He graduated from Clarks High School in 1942 and two years later joined the U.S. Army Air Force, serving as a bombardier in a B-24 Liberator (an American heavy bomber) from 1944 to 1945. During his 26th mission, the plane crashed while over Italy—one member of the crew was killed.
For his service, Magnuson received the U.S. Air Force’s Distinguished Flying Cross, which is awarded to airmen for “heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.” He finished his military service to this country on Nov. 4, 1945, as a First Lieutenant.
Magnuson then returned to Nebraska and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1948.
Magnuson was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Darlene. Survivors include Mary Jean “Midge” Dance (Lynn), Sue Laswell (Rick), and Tom Magnuson (Peg), five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
