Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Lynn Marie Hillmyer, age 68, of Cokato, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. After navigating a decades-long journey with multiple sclerosis, she leaves behind an enduring example of courage, strength, and resilience.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 25, at 5:00 pm at the Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum, with visitation one hour prior and meal following. Her beloved grandchildren are serving as honorary urn bearers.
Lynn was born on October 8, 1956, to parents DeWayne and Joycelyn (Rubel) Jensen, who lived in Elk River, Minnesota, with their son, Brad. She was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church and graduated from Elk River High School in 1974.
Lynn married the love of her life, Lloyd (Monty) Hillmyer Jr. on September 21, 1974. Together, the two made their home in South Haven, Minnesota, where they welcomed two sons, Jason and Joshua. The family attended Zion United Methodist Church and enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. She loved nothing more than watching and cheering on her boys at the hockey rink – a joy she continued with her grandchildren.
Lynn took pride in her community and her work, serving in many Administrative Assistant positions – especially cherishing her time at the family business, United Auto Body, which brought her the joy of seeing her loved ones each day. Of all her pursuits, re-selling antiques was closest to her heart. She loved curating and displaying timeless pieces, finding meaningful gifts, and treasured the dear friendships she gained along the way.
Her compassion and quick wit naturally turned conversations away from herself and toward others, always making a point to ask how everyone else was doing. Her thoughtfulness was a gift in itself – she made holidays memorable with special touches, such as festive napkins and bunny ears at Easter; ensured everyone’s favorite foods were on the table; brought people together with games; and serenaded loved ones with her signature version of the Happy Birthday song. Lynn loved her grandchildren fiercely and cherished her time with them. She found peace near the water and especially enjoyed time at the family cabin, just steps from her faithful parent’s home on Big Stone Lake.
Lynn was wonderfully stubborn and independent, as she was loving, and her sense of humor and contagious laugh lit up every room. She taught us what it means to fight and hold onto hope, to meet each obstacle head-on, and to believe we can do hard things, just as she always did.
What a beautiful difference one single life made. Blessed be her memory.
Lynn’s legacy lives on in her devoted husband of 50 years, Monty Hillmyer; loyal sons Jason (Karina) and Josh (Melissa); 10 grandchildren Keyra (Haldan Pedersen), Dylan (Jennifer), Dane, Karson, Chase, Max, Nora, Easton, Greta and Henrik; 3 great-grandchildren Greydon, Darius, and Ayla; and brother Brad Jensen.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Arthur and Emma Jensen, and Earl and Mildred Rubel; her parents DeWayne and Joyce Jensen; and her sister-in-law, Barty Jensen.

Shawn Taraldson, but most everyone knew him as Moose left this earth on June 24, 2025 at the Cokato Manor.
He was born on March 31st, 1949 to the parents of Cyril and Alice Taraldson. Shawn lived his life to the fullest enjoying the Twins, Vikings and NASCAR. His favorite place to relax and enjoy was his cabin up north to try his luck at fishing and hunting.
Shawn now joins his wife Diane, his parents, and a brother Kevin.
He is survived by his daughter Chantel, step-son Tom Hedlund(Sue), sisters Christine(Craig) Silva, Kathleen (Jim) Engstrom and Mary Ann (John) Larson and brother Jim. Also many nieces and nephews.
No formal services will be held. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, MN 320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Thomas Elton Quast of Lester Prairie, MN, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on June 21st, 2025, at the age of 76.
Thomas was born on December 23rd, 1948, in Glencoe, MN. He was the son of Elton and Elizabeth (Oelfke) Quast. He received his education from Lester Prairie School and graduated in 1966.
Thomas served his duty in the US ARMY as a sergeant in the Vietnam War until his Honorable Discharge in 1973. On June 17th, 1988, Thomas married the love of his life, Lynn (Strand), from Watertown, MN. They shared 37 years together. Thomas and Lynn made their forever home in Lester Prairie, where they raised four children: Jennifer, Lisa, Daniel, and Jessica. Thomas worked for the union as a carpenter in commercial construction for many years up until retirement.
Thomas was a caring, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was always a gentle and thoughtful man to anyone and everyone. No matter what, he always had a heart of gold. Thomas was very hardworking. He loved to fix and tinker with anything that he could. Thomas built their home in Lester Prairie, and his passion for dedicated work is evident throughout their home and property.
Thomas had many hobbies and interests but had a special place in his heart for animals. He unconditionally loved and cared for all animals without question (squirrels, cats, dogs, chickens, geese, and birds), especially his best friend, Jax. Thomas also enjoyed spending time outdoors, listening to old country music, and spending cherished time with family.
Thomas was a wonderful man with so much love to give. He will always be missed by everyone who knew him. As Tom always said to his wife, Lynn Marie, “It can do.”
Thomas is survived by:
His wife, Lynn Quast
Jax, his best friend
Children, Jennifer Quast, Lisa (Jerry) Morin, Daniel Shank, Jessica (Ken) Wegener
Grandchildren, Merisa (Cam) Mogensen, Lillian (Grant) Wuollet, Makaisa (Ross) Stockman, Madelyn (Andrew) Stockman, Delanie Shank, Alivia Grimler, and Nora Nemec
Great Grand Children, Aiden Kosek, Mckiya Kosek, Reighna Wuollet, Havynn Wuollet, and Avery Wuollet
Sister, LuAnn (David) Kupka
Neice, Lauren Determan
Grandnephews, Lukas and Jackson Determan
Many more family and friends
Preceded in death by:
His parents, Elton, and Elizabeth Quast
In-laws, Lee and Patricia Strand
We want to say a special thank you to Thomas’s caretakers, who held to his wishes of being able to stay home throughout his journey. Lynn Quast (wife), Daniel Shank (son), Jessica Wegener (daughter), Merisa Mogensen (granddaughter), Makaisa Stockman (granddaughter), and Madelyn Stockman (granddaughter).
A celebration of life for Thomas will be privately held with family per his wishes.

Brian Bernard Martinson, age 68, of Dassel, passed away June 23, 2025.

Services to be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota. #320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Doris Anne Kaskinen, 92, of French Lake, MN passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at her home in French Lake surrounded by her loving family.

Doris was born July 30, 1932 to Nels and Annie (Williams) Matson in Chetek, WI. Doris was the sixth child of nine siblings.

After graduating from Chetek High School in 1950, she moved to Minneapolis and worked as a seamstress for Munsingwear. There she met he future husband, Eddie Kaskinen. Eddie and Doris were married on April 23, 1955 in Chetek WI. Eddie and Doris moved to French Lake, MN in 1958 where they raised five children.

Doris enjoyed sewing, and in later life quilting, she made quilts for all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to travel and was fortunate to see much of the US, to include Alaska and Hawaii, as well as visiting the UK and Finland. Doris was an active member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in French Lake where she served as a Sunday School teacher and a volunteer. Doris was a 4H Leader while her children were young.

Doris was a member of the French Lake Sunshine Club, which was a program started in 1961 by the Department of Agriculture to connect rural farm wives. The group still continues to meet monthly.

Doris is proceeded in death by her parents Nels and Annie Matson, her husband Eddie Kaskinen, her daughter Mary Kaskinen and granddaughter Sarah Smith.

Doris is survived by her sister Linda Magadance of Eau Claire, WI, brother James Matson of Columbia Falls MT, daughter Robin (Craig) Sonsteby of Bowdle, SD, daughter Joanne (Butch) Malcheski of Annandale, daughter Jackie (Kevin) Wilson of Cokato, son Charley (Pam Rudolph) Kaskinen of Annandale. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at the Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato, followed by a prayer service at 6:30 PM. Doris will be buried at Riverside Cemetery near French Lake on Saturday June 28, 2025.

Doris lived to be 92. She had a good life, a full life and enjoyed seeing her family grow. Her faith was strong and commitment to her family was unmatched. She lived a life worth celebrating.

Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, MN 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com