Continue reading »]]> Rita Jeanne Streich, 76, of Howard Lake, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, surrounded by 13 members of her loving family while listening to the music she loved.
Born July 15, 1949, to Herman and Jeanne Painschab, Rita grew up in a lively family in Waverly with eight brothers and one sister. She was smart, funny, fiercely independent, and deeply loved by those closest to her.
On May 12, 1973, Rita married her high school sweetheart and lifelong love, Gary Streich. Together they built a home east of Howard Lake, raised their daughters, welcomed eight grandchildren, and shared 50 years of marriage before Gary’s passing in December 2023.
Rita was endlessly creative. A talented quilter, she shared her gift through The Piecemakers Quilt Shoppe, creating treasures her family and friends will cherish forever. She also loved gardening, books, crossword puzzles, and long baths spent reading library books she occasionally had to dry and iron before returning.
More than anything, Rita loved her family. Along with daughters Carrie and Jackie, Rita was grateful to reconnect later in life with her son, Michael Hall, with whom she shared a cherished relationship over the past 17 years. Her children and grandchildren were the greatest joy of her life.
Since Gary’s passing, Rita carried the heartbreak of losing her lifelong partner. Part of her final diagnosis included Takotsubo disease, known as “broken heart syndrome,” reflecting the deep love she held for Gary throughout her life.
She will be remembered for her quick wit, humor, creativity, stubborn spirit, and her endless curiosity about the world.
She is survived by her son, Michael Hall; daughters Carrie (Dusty) Dircks and Jackie (Kyle) Thompson; grandchildren Carter Westling, Tyler Hall, Cecelia and Ruby Dircks, and Zach, Grant, Owen, and Nora Thompson; siblings John Morrow, Tim (Donna), Tom (Cheryl), Terry (Joan), Teddy (Judy), Donny (Tiya), Lee (Jodi), Pat (Liz) Painschab, and Ginny (Leo) Paquette; sisters-in-law Ann Painschab and Mary Streich; in-laws Judy (Steve) Gagnon, Rick (Shelly) Streich, aunts Berni Reardon and Mary Klingelhoets, her kitty, Mocha, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Streich; parents Herman and Jeanne Painschab; brother Denny Painschab; brother-in-law Steve (T.T.) Streich; and nephews Jason Paquette and Ryan Painschab.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held May 15, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m., with Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial of ashes at St. Mary’s Cemetery will follow the service, with lunch afterward at the church.

Continue reading »]]> Shirley Ann Snyder Hall passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 5, 2026.
Shirley was born on August 6, 1934 in Tracy, Minnesota to parents Ole and Mabel Rykhus. Shirley graduated from Tracy High School in 1952. Soon after, she married Charles Lawrence Snyder and moved to Northern Minnesota. Shirley was blessed with four children: Linda, Larry, Nancy, and Mallie.
Shirley lived her life with strength, persistence, and love. As a mother, she attended the Eveleth Technical School to achieve a degree in accounting. Shirley was a talented cook. She ran her own restaurant, the D & S Cafe, from 1973 to 1981. She loved to travel. Above all else, Shirley adored her friends and family. She treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and loved to spend time laughing with all of them.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Ole and Mabel Rykhus; her siblings Mildred (Orie) Sorbel, Ethel (Pete) Peterson, Mike (Jeannette) Rykhus, Pat (Luella) Rykhus, and Don (Vivian) Rykhus; her husband Charles Snyder, her son Lawrence Snyder, and her great-granddaughter Guinevere Shirley Johnson.
Shirley is survived by her children, Linda Snyder, Nancy Snyder, Mallie (Philip) Johnson, and son-in-law Dan Nelson; her grandchildren, Michael Nelson, Meghan (Nels) Raisanen, Brendon (Ada) Johnson, Kailee (Matthew) McColl, Emmanuel (Layla) Johnson, Brinna, Evette, Jenna, Nicodemus, Sara, Evan, Izabellah, Walter, Riley, Zac, and Timothy Johnson; her great-grandchildren Adele Nelson, Julia McColl, Yance McColl, Niilo Raisanen, Hugo Johnson, Henrik Raisanen, Torben Johnson, Norman McColl, Eskel Johnson, Wesley McColl, and baby Raisanen on the way; special nieces and nephews; and many other friends and family members.

Continue reading »]]> Dorothy Gina Wood, age 88, of Cokato passed away on May 3, 2026. She was born on August 8, 1937, to Bernhardt (Benny) and Mayrene (Paulson) Estby. Dorothy grew up in the Brooten area and graduated from Glenwood High School.
Dorothy’s adventurous spirit brought her to the Twin Cities where she met the love of her life Vernon Wood. Dorothy and Vernon were married on October 19, 1968, and moved to their forever home north of Cokato in the late 1960s.
Dorothy worked various jobs in the area and retired from Hutchinson Technology. Her passion was gardening, especially flowers. She was always willing to share a plant or let you pick a bouquet. Dorothy also enjoyed bird watching, fishing, hunting for agates, music, reading and going to flea markets. She always looked forward to visiting with friends and neighbors.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vernon Wood; daughter-in-law, Maria Bistodeau; grandson, Brandon Chamberlain and great granddaughter Aubrey Parenteau; her brothers, Wayne, Obert, Jarnell, and Andrew Estby; and sister, Betty Lacktorin.
She is survived by her children, Gary (Joanne) Chamberlain, Gordon Chamberlain, Jim (Bonnie) Bistodeau, Darcy (Ivan) Maclagan, Jeffrey Bistodeau, and Teak (Delight) Wood; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her siblings, Margaret Locke, Beverly Wailes, and Charles Estby.
A memorial service will take place at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 16th at the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato with visitation one hour prior to service.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota 320 286 2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> Dale Lester Gallup was born on January 16, 1930 in Maple Lake, MN to Arthur E. and Esther F. (Pugh) Gallup. He grew up in Minneapolis, MN and graduated in 1948 at Central High School.
He worked for J.R. Clark Co. in Spring Park, MN; who made Ironing tables. Clark’s was sold to Litton Ind., who made microwave ovens and patio furniture.
Dale Joined the Air Force and was stationed in Iceland and England. While stationed at Forbes National airbase in Topeka, KS he met his wife, Aledean; with whom he celebrated 66 years of marriage in March.
Dale loved to dance, and enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Dale passed away on May 28, 2021 at Pacifica Senior living in Fort Myers, FL. He had reached the age of 91 years.
Survivors include wife, Aledean of Fort Myers, FL; sister, Cheryl (Jim) Oviatt of Vancouver, WA; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A private interment will be held for Dale and Aledean at the cemetery in Howard Lake Minnesota in the spring.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota 320 286 2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> Aledean Bernita Gallup was born on October 9, 1933 in Barnes, Kansas to Kenneth (Babe) and Thelma (Sedlacek) Cook. She graduated from Barnes High School in 1951.

Aledean worked in Manhattan and Topeka, KS at different insurance companies. While working in Topeka she met her husband Dale who was stationed in Topeka at Forbes National Airbase.

Aledean moved to Minnesota and started working at Streater Store Fixtures where she retired after 32 years. Dale and Aledean then moved to Ft. Myers, FL and enjoyed the warm weather for the last 20 years.

Aledean passed away on 12/28/2025 at the age of 92.

Survivors include sister Mildred of Ft. Myers, FL, sister-in-law Cheryl (Jim) Oviatt of Vancouver, WA, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A private interment will be held for Dale and Aledean at the cemetery in Howard Lake Minnesota in the spring.

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

Continue reading »]]> Gregory Hale Hawkins, 67, of Cokato, MN passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on March 25th, 2026. Greg was born to Raymond and Joanne Hawkins on May 29th, 1958 and was the second child of three.

Greg was known for his big smile, sense of humor, being a man of all trades and most of all his warm heart. Throughout his life, he worked many different jobs and took pride in every one of them. From lawn care, to driving truck, welding, and building plow trucks, he was never afraid of hard work. He was skilled with his hands and could fix or build just about anything. His creativity and determination were qualities that people admired and depended on.

Beyond his work, he will be remembered most for his kindness and generosity. He was always the first to show up when a friend had a project, needed advice, or simply needed support. He gave his time freely, asked for nothing return, and found true joy in helping others succeed.

His legacy lives on in the many lives he impacted, the projects he helped complete, and the memories shared by those who were lucky to know him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Greg is preceded in death by his father Raymond Hawkins and his mother Joanne Hawkins. He is survived by his loving wife Betsy Hawkins, children Nathan (Gina) Thompson, Jessica Crum, Trista Bistodeau, Samantha Hawkins, and Claire (Ian) Jarman; 11 grandchildren and his sisters Pamela (Dave) Beckius and Terri Ann (Jim) Diede, 5 nieces and nephews and 6 great nieces and nephews and many more family and friends.

Continue reading »]]> Beverly “Bev” Patrice Moye, most recently of Prior Lake, MN passed away on the evening of Sunday, April 19th, 2026 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN. Her dear family and friends were so blessed to surround her with love as she left this world. Bev leaves a legacy of steadfast commitment to her family, her faith and her love for education.

Beverly was born to George B. and Evelyn M. (Greeley) Moye on May 14, 1946 in Fairmont, MN. She was baptized on May 31, 1959 at the Horicon Church of Christ in Truman, MN. As a child, her family and friends called her “Missy”. She enjoyed riding horses including her own horse named Speck, traveling to Franklin, KY to visit Moye relations, and taking piano lessons. She often spoke fondly of being the only gal in her neighborhood, so she knew how to hold her own with boys!

She was a proud graduate of Fairmont High School in 1964, where she earned the honor of Co-Valedictorian of her class. While at Fairmont High, Bev was a cheerleader, a member of the orchestra, the Latin Club, and the Chorus as well as a number of other organizations. She continued her passion for education at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN where Elementary Education was her course of study. Bev always looked for community and pledged the Alpha Phi sorority, where she became a proud sister and alumna.

Bev began her career in education at Cokato Elementary in 1968 and spent the next 41 years teaching various grade levels. She took a short break during this time to begin raising her four daughters. She was committed to the youth in the community, whether it was in her classrooms or supporting her children and former students in their various extra-curricular activities. Bev was a member of the Dassel Church of Christ where she continued teaching by being a Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher and administrator, and was also the substitute church organist.

Upon retirement in 2009, Bev could not walk away from the Cokato school system and spent a few more years as a long-term sub and a paraprofessional. There was still much she could offer and she wanted to continue sharing her talents. She also wanted more time with the staff and administration she loved so much. When she fully retired, she relished the time she spent with her grandchildren. She also loved attending various Bible studies, book clubs, and watching NCIS (the Mark Harmon seasons).

Bev is survived by her brother, Philip (Nancy) Moye, her four daughters, Rhea (Tom) Langemo, Jenna (Gary) Noble, Abby (Jon) DeVries, and Deveny (Casey) Beaton and grandchildren, Ethan, Erikka/Cyrus, Sam, Maja, Georgia, Reagan, Elijah, Wesley, Oliver, and Thatcher. She will also be remembered by her nieces and nephews, cousins, many close family friends, her ‘Klammer Kids” (you know who you are), and Markie May Moye, her beloved cat.

Bev is preceded in death by her father and mother. Services will be held on May 14, 2026 at the First Baptist Church, Cokato, MN at 2:00 pm. A visitation will be held one hour before the service. Burial will be at Fairview Memorial Park in Fairmont, MN at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to MN Ovarian Cancer Alliance or Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation.

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

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Jean Cecilia Schmitz (née Ryan) of Cokato, Minnesota, passed away in the early morning of April 24, 2026, at the age of 82.

Raised in Cedar Mills, Minnesota, Jean was born on May 12, 1943. She was the daughter of an Irish father and Danish mother. In truth, she was also a quarter English—something she firmly denied even when presented with undeniable proof (including the fact that Kimball, Minnesota is named after her direct ancestors…though her Irish side simply wouldn’t allow her to admit it).

Jean is survived by her husband of 51 years, Mike Schmitz, and her four children: Cris (Kathryn) Arens, Tim (Laura) Arens, Mindy (Mike) Anderson, and Joseph (Nickole) Schmitz, all of whom have built families of their own.

As a young mother, Jean lived on Air Force bases throughout the South during the Vietnam War era. In 1971, she returned to Minnesota. She later met Mike, and together they built a life and raised their family in the countryside near Cokato.

Jean lived a full and adventurous life. She traveled the world—from Japan to Thailand to Scotland—visiting her children as they pursued their own journeys, and exploring many other places with friends along the way. Alongside Mike, whose work as an over-the-road truck driver took them across the country, Jean saw much of the United States firsthand. A proud traveler, she visited 48 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and at 82 was still planning her final road trip to Vermont and Maine. She may not get to enjoy that lobster roll, but her son Tim and daughter-in-law Laura will make the journey with her ashes before she takes one final adventure over Niagara Falls.

Her passing was sudden and deeply felt by all who loved her. But Jean would want us to smile—because going quickly was exactly how she would have wanted it.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Cody (Grace) Anderson, Max (Emma) Ibata-Arens, Colton (Chloe) Anderson, Jacob Schmitz, Elizabeth Ibata-Arens, Daniel Schmitz, Grace Schmitz, and Naomi Schmitz, as well as her first great-grandchild, Wren Anderson.

They will always remember the kindness, humor, and spirit of “Nana.”

Jean never wanted a traditional funeral—she wanted a party. A celebration of her life, in true Irish wake fashion, will be held at the Schmitz family farm on Sunday, May 17th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a reflection of her life at 2:00 p.m.

Schmitz Family Farm
10028 50th St SW
Howard Lake, MN 55349

Continue reading »]]> Roger Arthur Osbeck, age 102, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026 at his daughter’s home in Delano, MN. Roger was born on August 13, 1923 in Cokato, MN and was one of 11 children of Swedish immigrant parents, Charles and Ellen Osbeck. He was raised in Cokato, MN and as a young adult moved to Minneapolis. He married Violet Garrow on October 7, 1950 in Minneapolis and they resided there until moving to Golden Valley in 1956. Together they raised 4 daughters, and dad always said he was a king with 5 queens!

He was self-employed in painting and decorating for most of his working life, and he especially loved refinishing furniture. He was a member of Painters Local 386 and was proud to receive his 75-year pin in 2025. Roger liked to keep busy and was a jack-of-all trades when it came to family, friends, and neighbors and he was never at a loss for work. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix if he had paint, caulk, duct tape and a screwdriver! He was often heard to say “save your money and buy tools!” Upon Violet’s death in 2018, Roger moved to Hanover, MN to live with one of his daughters, and they eventually moved to Delano, MN.

Roger will be dearly missed, and is survived by 4 daughters, Dawn Boh of Verona, WI, Sharon (Mark) Flaten of Wayzata, MN, Sandy Dybing of North Mankato, MN, Diane Zachary of Delano, MN, 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and several friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife Violet of 67 years, sons-in-law Larry Boh and Rodney Dybing, and 10 siblings (Esther, Carl, Maryon, Edith, Bill, Ann, Donald, Lucille, Russell, and Clifford).

The family wishes to thank Dr. Randy Peterson (Allina Health in St. Michael) for several years of dad’s care, and Adara Home Health Care and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care and assistance during his last 2 weeks.

At Roger’s request, a private family graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Cokato Historical Society, 175 4th St. SW, P.O.Box 686, Cokato, MN 55321-0686.

Continue reading »]]> Audrey Mae Peterson, 89, formerly of Dassel/Cokato, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born on March 1, 1937, to Levi and Ina (Hasti) Rokala at their farmhouse near Kingston, Minnesota. Audrey was baptized and confirmed in the First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Cokato. She attended Kingston Elementary School and graduated in 1955 from Dassel High School.

On June 1, 1957, Audrey united in marriage to Ronald J. Peterson. The two were married for 68 years and raised seven children. They moved to Arizona in 1976. After raising children, Audrey continued her education and graduated from Grand Canyon College in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Audrey was a dedicated teacher, devoting herself tirelessly to educating students for 20 years in Peoria, Arizona. She retired in 2000.

During retirement, Audrey valued her time with family and friends, especially her 31 grandchildren and 77 great-grandchildren. Her hobbies were baking cardamon bread (her family’s favorite), quilting, and solving sundry puzzles. Audrey loved music and was a talented pianist. She enjoyed sharing the hymns that touched her soul. As written in Ephesians 5:19, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Audrey will be remembered by her family and friends for her spunky personality, independent spirit, and beautiful smile.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Ina Rokala; brothers, John Rokala and Milton Rokala; sister, Ruth Janckila; son-in-law, Bernie Delaney; and grandson, Chase Falls.

Audrey is survived by her husband, Ronald John Peterson; their children, Lynda Skoog-Peterson, Aaron (Lynda) Peterson, Larry (Kathryn) Peterson, Anne Peterson, Jeanne Falls Delaney, Sara Peterson, Colleen (Mark) Daavettila; brother, Carl (Bev) Rokala; sisters, MaryAnn Harkman and Margaret Mattila; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Those who loved her and were touched by her faith, kindness, and friendship will always have memories of her easygoing personality and willingness to share a part of her life. Our memories of her will forever remain in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. Visitation is one hour prior to service at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Minnesota.