The $299 million General MillsFederal Credit Union in St. Paul, Minn., has designated the lateMerlin J. Magnusson as a Credit Union Builder through the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation.

Magnusson, the credit union's first general manager, was honoredfollowing his passing on July 1.

Magnusson graduated from the University of Minnesota. He beganhis career at GMFCU – which has a membership of 28,000 – on March1, 1966 and worked for the credit union for 25 years beforeretiring in 1991.

“Merlin was a strong leader in the early years of the creditunion and remained a member of GMFCU until his passing,” saidGMFCU President/CEO Kent Greff.

“He dedicated much of his career to building GMFCU into thecredit union it is today, and his many contributions to theorganization and the industry will not be soon forgotten.”

Magnusson was a frequent visitor to the credit union andfamiliar face to both employees and members, the foundation.

“The ability to pay tribute to credit union forefathers likeMerlin Magnusson was the exact reason why the Foundationestablished the Credit Union Builder program,” said Pat Brekken,chair of the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation.

Magnusson joins 22 other individuals who have been honored overthe past six years with the MnCUF's Credit Union Builder Award.

The names of the recipients and the contributing credit unionsare permanently displayed in the Minnesota Credit Union Network'slobby as a tribute to their accomplishments.