Sylvia "Toby" Marie Magsam

Sylvia “Toby” Marie Magsam, 70, of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, November 17, 2024. She was born on January 17, 1954, to adoring parents, Howard and Helen (Engelhart) Bye, in Crookston, and was raised on a farm in Euclid. 

Toby attended grade school and graduated from high school in Crookston, with the class of 1972. Shortly after high school, while living in Euclid, she met the love of her life, Dennis Magsam; and they were married on September 8, 1973, at St. Mary’s Church in Euclid. She and Dennis made a life for themselves in Euclid until they moved to Crookston in 1983, where they found a home within the community. She was an incredibly intelligent and witty woman, demonstrating that in every aspect of her life. 

In her life, Toby used her skills and intellect to advance in the workplace, working for Riverview Hospital in the kitchen, Crookston Cable Office, Ben Franklin store in the office, and for twenty years she was a dedicated employee at AURI from which she deservedly and proudly retired in June of 2021. Toby was very passionate about celebrating cancer survivors as well as cancer victims by being a very active part of the Relay for Life for West Polk County and serving on the planning committee for several years. She was a longtime member of the Cathedral Church where she shared her belief and love of Christ by working many weekends with Teens Encounter Christ (TEC).

Toby was known for her infectious laughter, witty jokes, and an uncanny ability to brighten any room she entered. Her friends and family fondly remember her famous potato salad and deviled eggs, dishes that were always requested and enjoyed at gatherings. At Christmas time, she was also well known for her candy making skills and of course, her cookies! She had a huge sense of humor and continued to share her joy with those around her until the very end, reminding everyone of the beauty of life through laughter. 

Truly creative at heart, Toby had a mini hobby lobby in her basement filled with the crafts she loved to make; such as cards and sewing projects. Additionally, she had a special affinity for the casino, where she savored both the thrill of the game and the company of friends. She loved the color purple, was an avid bowler in her younger years, loved decorating for Christmas, and watching her grandkids in their activities. While Toby loved the casino, crafting, and baking, nothing could ever compare to the love she felt for her grandchildren and entire family; those moments with them will forever be the highlights in her life. Everything about Toby will be deeply missed by her family, especially the way she loved them and how she was always willing to help and would do anything for anyone, even a stranger; she just had that kind of heart in her. Throughout her fight with cancer, she remained both classy and sassy and, in the end, developed a newfound appreciation for drinking cold beer. Her family takes comfort in knowing she has a set of wings now, purple of course, that she is spreading in Heaven while sipping a beer and playing a slot machine. She leaves behind many memories and love for her family, and they will carry her spirit with them for now until she meets them at the gates. 

Toby is survived by her loving husband, Dennis Magsam, of Crookston; Children, Troy (Amy Hovey) Magsam, of Crookston, and Tracey (Justin) Knutson, of Crookston; Grandchildren: Hunter (Jenna Seaver) Knutson, Skyla (Brady Brott) Magsam, Carley (Cade Deleon) Knutson, and Teagan Hovey; Brothers and Sisters: Chuck (Sue) Bye, Carol Ann (Jim) Futch, Darrell (Val) Bye, Rick (Carol) Bye, Jan (Jeff) Gustafson, and Bill (Tracy) Bye; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Mikal Bye, Dave Magsam, Duane (Joyce) Magsam, Stuart (Debbie) Magsam, and Judy Magsam; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Helen Bye; Brothers, Robert “Skip” Bye and Ronnie Bye; Parents-in-law, Merle and Marie Magsam; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Barbara Wiltse, Beatrice Kramer, Carol Porter, Alice Halverson, George Magsam, and Arlene Magsam. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Hope Foundation of North Dakota, donations can be sent directly to 1451 44th Avenue South, Unit E, Grand Forks, ND 58201. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Potti and his staff for the care they provided during her journey, both medically and personally; the time they took to make a connection was much appreciated. The family would also like to express their gratitude to Hospice of the Red River Valley for their care compassion in Toby’s final days. 

There will be visitation at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Sunday, November 24, 2024, beginning at 5:00 PM. The prayer service and time for sharing of memories will be at 7:00 PM. The Memorial Mass honoring Toby’s life will be at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, in Crookston, on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 3:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM. Services will be livestreamed, the link to which can be found by going to www.stenshoelhouske.com/obituaries and following the prompts to Toby’s page.