Continue reading »]]> Harlan W. Melinsky
PFC US Army WWII
Coming home after 82 yrs. and 6 mos.

Harlan was born on Dec. 21, 1920. The youngest of four children born to Gustav and Pauline (Ruge) Melinsky.

Harlan was baptized at home. He was confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake on April 9, 1933 by Pastor C. G. Seltz. He graduated valedictorian from Howard Lake High School in 1938.

He entered military service Feb. 2, 1943. He served with Company I, 3d Battalion, 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division during the Second World War.

Around May 20, 1944 he was reported missing near Itri, Italy. Harlan’s remains were identified by matching his DNA with DNA collected from relatives.

He was preceded in death by his mother Pauline.

At the time of his death he was survived by his father Gustav; sisters Lillie and (Raymond) Horsch; Edna and (Warren) Glessing, and brother Grant Melinsky.

Today he is survived by nephew John (Chub) Horsch of Howard Lake; niece Jean (Glessing) and (Ralph) Krohn of St. Paul; nephew Harlan Horsch of Howard Lake; nieces Merry Dee (Melinsky) McFarlin of Elizabeth City, NC; Pauline (Horsch) and (Robert) Bellah of Knoxville, TN; and Verla (Horsch) and (Roger) Olson of Bloomington, MN; and many great-nephews and great-nieces.

The family of Harlan would prefer that any memorials for Harlan be made to a veteran’s organization of your choosing.

Arrangements for Harlan have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401. www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> Darla went to be with the Lord and reunite with her lifelong love, Gerald, on November 5, 2026, in Montrose, Minnesota.
Darla was born on December 18, 1941, to Chester and Leora Clausen in Spirit Lake, Iowa, the second of
six children. Later in life, the family moved to St. James, Minnesota. It was there that Darla met the love of
her life, Gerald Kriesch. They were married on October 22, 1960, beginning a beautiful love story that
would span more than 64 years.
During the early years of their marriage, Darla and Gerald traveled from job site to job site as Gerald built grain elevators. Eventually, they settled in Howard Lake, Minnesota, in 1963, where they made their home until Geralds passing in April 2025.
Darla and Gerald loved to dance, listen to old-time music, and, most of all, spend time together with family and friends.

Traveling was another joy they shared. Their adventures ranged from trips to Wisconsin just to enjoy cheese curds and apples, to family vacations in Branson, Missouri, and special trips with their grandchildren.
Darla also had a love for cooking, baking, and canning. Some of the sweetest memories were made when children and grandchildren came to visit. They would enjoy a home-cooked meal of their choice and
never leave empty-handed. Grandma always made sure they went home with jars of her homemade jelly, sugar cookies, and whatever other goodies she had been busy baking. Those little gestures were just one of the many ways Darla showed her love for her family.
Darla is survived by her three children: Troy (Cheryl) Kriesch of Buffalo, Minnesota; Gerald Jr. (Jodi) Kriesch of Abilene, Kansas; and Lori (Francis) Wilhelm of Montrose, Minnesota. She is also survived by
her bonus son, Jeffrey Erickson of Howard Lake, Minnesota.
She is further survived by her brothers, Lynn Clausen of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kelly (Trudy) Clausen of Carmel, Indiana; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Darla was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald; her parents, Chester and Leora; three siblings; and Gerald’s parents and siblings.
In keeping with Darla’s wishes, the family will gather privately to celebrate her life, followed by a private inurnment.
Though Darla and Gerald are no longer with us, their love story continues in the family they built, the memories they created, and the generations who will carry their love forward.
In lieu of flowers or cards, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Darlas memory to:
Ridgeview Hospice
501 S. Maple Street, Suite 1
Waconia, MN 55387
Thank you for your kindness, love, and support.
Arrangements for Darla have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401. www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> Wayne Donald Birkholz, age 75, passed away on November 9, 2026. Born on July 27, 1951, he lived a life filled with family, hard work, curiosity, and a love for creating and fixing things.
On June 17, 1989, he married the love of his life, Sharon Birkholz. Together, they built a family and shared many years of memories, adventures, and life’s everyday moments.
He had a natural curiosity and a passion for learning how things worked. Whether farming, building something with his hands, or tinkering with a project, he was happiest when he had something to work on. He also enjoyed bird watching, antiquing, and collecting John Deere figurines. His appreciation for history, machinery, and the little things in life reflected the many interests that made him who he was.
Above all, family was an important part of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Birkholz; his children: Kimberly (Dana) Birkholz Wiegert, Tracy (Josh) Birkholz Erdman, Jeremy Birkholz, Tammi (Nate) Muldoon Probst, Ryan Muldoon, and Holly (Derek) Muldoon Zillmer.

He was a proud grandfather to Jenna Wiegert, Keegan Erdman, Mason Erdman, Lauren Erdman, Alexia Rehmann (Chance), Luke Probst, Ellie Muldoon, Julia Muldoon, Caden Zillmer, Colby Zillmer, and Kylah Zillmer. Jordynn Wagner (Brandon), Garrett Wiegert (Arie), Colton Wiegert (Alyssa), Payton Wiegert. He was also blessed with a great-grandchild, Calvin “Wilber” Rehmann.

He is also survived by his sister, Carol (Bill) Cook, along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald; his mother, Evangeline; his mother-in-law, Rose; his brothers-in-law, Jim and Jake; and his sister-in-law, Mary.

His family will remember him for his hands-on nature, his many interests, and the memories made together over the years. Though he will be deeply missed, the things he built, the knowledge he shared, the collections he treasured, and, most importantly, the family he loved will carry his memory forward.

He leaves behind a legacy that will live on through the generations of family who loved him.

A funeral service for Wayne will be held at 11:00 AM with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service, on Saturday November 28, 2026 at the St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, Minnesota.

Funeral arrangements for Wayne have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401.

Continue reading »]]> Alberta Williams Johnson, of Howard Lake, Minnesota, passed away on October 31, 2026, at the age of 82.
Alberta was born on April 29, 1944, to Albert and Edna Williams. She married Ed Johnson in August of 1976. Together, they made their home on Medicine Lake in Plymouth, Minnesota, before moving to Howard Lake, Minnesota, in September of 1986.
Alberta enjoyed gardening, spending time outdoors, and the peaceful surroundings of lake life. She also enjoyed sailing with Ed and the many memories they made together throughout their years of marriage. Alberta was also involved with the Howard Lake American Legion Post 145 Auxiliary.
Alberta is survived by her husband, Ed Johnson; her children, Toby Johnson of Duluth, Minnesota, Molly Evans of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Curtis (Emily) Johnson of Highland, New Jersey; four grandchildren; and her sister, Margaret (Grant) Meinecke of Littleton, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Edna Williams; and her brother, Edson Williams.
Arrangements for Alberta have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401. www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]>
Clifford Franklin Johnson, of Kimball, Minnesota, passed away on October 30, 2026, at the age of 85.
Clifford was born on February 12, 1941, to John and Alice Johnson. He grew up alongside his three sisters, Marion, Grace, and Judy.
Clifford was a hardworking man who spent his career as a certified union welder. His skills and craftsmanship extended far beyond his work, as he enjoyed creating things out of metal, especially for his daughters. He took great pride in working with his hands and sharing his talents with those he loved.
In his free time, Clifford enjoyed attending auctions, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family meant so much to him, and he treasured the moments spent together, making memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Clifford was known for his willingness to lend a helping hand and offer advice, whether it was wanted or not. He had a way of sharing his thoughts and wisdom with those around him, always meaning well. No matter the time or circumstance, Clifford was someone his family and friends could count on. He was always there when someone needed him.

Clifford is survived by his loving wife, Mary Johnson; his daughters, Ivonne (Dale) Peterson, Belinda (Dean) Hendrickson, and Tammy (Dean) Johnson; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Clifford was preceded in death by his father, John Johnson, his mother, Alice Johnson; and his sisters, Marion, Grace and Judy.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401. www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> Rodney Dean Pettit, age 85, passed away on October 26, 2026, at the Annandale Care Center in Annandale, Minnesota.
Rodney was born on November 24, 1940, to Bedford “Spike” and Gladys (Rudquist) Pettit. He grew up in the Cokato area and graduated from Cokato High School in 1959. On January 11, 2003, Rodney was united in marriage to Jeanne Lange (Olson).

Rodney had a lifelong love for dairy farming and also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and beloved dogs. After retiring from farming, he worked for Northwest Airlines and St. Mary’s Care Facility.

Rodney was a friendly and kindhearted man who truly enjoyed visiting with others. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes, often bringing smiles and laughter to those around him. He enjoyed a good conversation, socializing with friends and family, and, in his later years, the challenge of putting puzzles together. He will be fondly remembered for his warm smile, gentle nature, and the kindness he showed to those around him.

Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne; her four children, Lisa (Alan) Hensel, John (Julie) Lange, Todd (Mary) Lange, and Amy (Bryan) Neisen; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his sister, Beverly (Jim) Polt; his brother, David Pettit, and his significant other, Vicky Morrill; his niece, Stephanie (Ben) Foxen; his nephew, Derrick (Sara) Polt; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law; and his brother-in-law, Dean Olson, and Dean’s wife, Impie.

Rodney’s kind heart, welcoming smile, and love for conversation will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service for Rodney will take place this Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Monticello, Minnesota. A visitation will be held starting one hour before the service. The burial will take place at 1:45 PM at the Cokato City Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401. www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> Randi Lou Wolfe (Niccum), age 76, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer.
Randi will be lovingly remembered by her children, Shannon (Jason) Miller, Timothy (Renea) Ahlberg, Todd (Penny) Wolfe, and Tony (Paula) Wolfe; her siblings, Kerry (Carol) Niccum, Jody (Dave) Lewis, and Penny Stannard; her grandchildren, Jake (Cassidy), Hailey, Cristian, Matthew, Trinitee, Guilianna, Nikki, and Dean; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Betty Niccum; her twin brother, Rick; her nieces, Jamie and Libby; and her former husband, Walter “Bud” Wolfe.
Randi will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401. www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> Mary Ann Harkman, 93, formerly of Dassel and Cokato, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 8, 2026 at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Mary Ann was born on December 21, 1932, to Levi and Ina (Hasti) Rokala at their family farmhouse in Kingston, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in the faith at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Cokato. She attended Kingston Elementary and graduated from Dassel High School in 1950.
On February 24, 1951, Mary Ann united in marriage to Harlan Harkman in Mason City, Iowa. Together they shared 56 beautiful years of marriage and raised seven children with love, faith, and hard work.

In 1973 Mary Ann attended Hutchinson Vo-Tech to become a medical secretary. She was employed at the Buffalo Clinic until they moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1978. 1988 brought another move for Mary Ann when her husband opened Harlan’s Appliance store in Flagstaff, Arizona. She worked full time out of the home while living in Arizona.

In 1993, Mary Ann and Harlan moved back to Minnesota to retire, living in Elk River, Monticello, Dassel and Cokato. Mary Ann especially enjoyed visiting with her friends and having coffee at the Grounds or Double Shot in Cokato.

Mary Ann had a gift for creating beauty with her hands. A talented master quilter, she lovingly taught her daughter and granddaughters the art of quilting so that her love of creating beautiful quilts could live on through them. When entering her quilts for competition at the Wright County Fair, she came home with many Grand Champion (purple) and 1st Place (blue) ribbons.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan; her parents, Levi and Ina Rokala; brothers, John Rokala and Milton Rokala; sisters, Audrey Peterson and Ruth Janckila.

Mary Ann is survived by her children, Barbara (Ken) Timm, Diana (Bob) Maxwell, David (Brenda) Harkman, Bradley (Denise) Harkman, Karn (Jim) Canter, Kathryn Harkman, and Christopher Harkman; brother Carl (Bev) Rokala; and sister Margaret Mattila; 13 grandchildren, 14 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 great memories of her and the willingness to share a part of her life. Our memories of her will forever remain in our hearts.

A funeral service for Mary Ann will be held on November 7, 2026 at the Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church in Cokato, Minnesota at 11:00 AM with a visitation starting 1 hour prior to the service.

In memory of Mary Ann, the family requests that any memorial gifts be directed to the Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Funeral arrangements for Mary Ann have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401. www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> Gerald “Jerry” Roy Burau was born on September 9, 1942, in Delano, Minnesota, the son of Roy and Evelyn Burau. He was baptized on September 27, 1942, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Delano.
Jerry graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1962 and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964. On March 18, 1967, Jerry was united in marriage to Carol Schrupp. Together, they were blessed with two children.
Jerry was employed for 39 years at Millerbernd Manufacturing in Winsted, Minnesota. He was also well known throughout the area for the countless concrete projects he completed over the years. His hard work and craftsmanship left a lasting mark throughout the community.

Jerry had many interests, but fishing held a special place in his heart. He especially loved spending time fishing the “No Name Lakes.” Nothing brought Jerry more joy than sharing the fish he caught with others and telling the stories that went along with them. For Jerry, a good day of fishing was made even better when he could share the catch and the story of how he caught it, with family and friends.

When he wasn’t fishing, Jerry enjoyed deer hunting, gardening, and bowling. He was also a devoted member of the Howard Lake American Legion for more than 50 years and proudly served as a member of the Honor Guard. His service to his country and his fellow veterans remained an important part of his life.

Jerry passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on October 1, 2026, at Cokato Manor in Cokato, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Evelyn; two sisters; and his grandson, Brady.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Carol; daughter, Michelle (Jerry) Brady; son, Mark (Amy) Burau; grandchildren, Marisa Graham, Allison Brady, Brian (Kiaysa) Burau, Bethany Burau, and Bruce Burau; his great-grandchildren; and many other loving relatives and friends.

Jerry will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. His memory will live on through his family, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the stories they share, and the many people who were blessed to know him.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, Minnesota on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the love, kindness, and support shown to them during this difficult time. No individual thank-you cards will be sent.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401. www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> Marvel Viola Huwe Ring died September 29, 2026 at her home in Burnsville, MN.
She was born August 25, 1929 in Day County South Dakota, the fourth of six children of Arthur and Viola (Selle) Huwe. When Marvel was 15 the family moved to Omaha, NE. Marvel was a graduate of Omaha Tech High School and Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD.
She worked at Immanuel Children’s Home and its Camp Immanuel and briefly did parish work in Madelia, MN. She later worked in Activities at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, MN and as Activities Director at Fieldcrest Care Center in Hayfield, MN.
She and Delbert Ring were married June 29th, 1956 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Omaha. After Del’s ordination they together served Lutheran parishes in Lignite and Esmond, ND, rural Albert Lea, MN, and rural Sargeant, MN.

Marvel loved poetry, puzzling, and reading. She was a proud member of the Loony Ladies book club and loved fishing (especially for crappies.) She was a prodigious knitter, and knit many sweaters for her kids and grandchildren. She loved gardening, birds, butterflies, and passed on her love of nature to her family in her gentle manner.
Preceding Marvel in death was her husband Del, infant daughter Kathleen, her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Wilton Davis, and brothers and sisters-in-law Myron and Bernice, Harold and Gail, Orlyn and Rita, Lowell, and daughter-in-law Annette.
Marvel is survived by daughter Miriam and sons David (Kim), Daniel (Tammy Hughes), Jonathan (Teresa), and grandchildren Alex (Benjamin Morgan), Joel, Kelsey, Annika Sandoz (Ben), and Amanda, sister-in-law Carol Huwe of Kansas and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Park Nicollet Hospice, Visiting Angels, and Wendy Flum for the care provided for Marvel.
Funeral services will be at St. James Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN at 11 AM on November 27, 2026. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. There will be an inurnment service on November 28, 2026 at 1:00pm at Lutheran Church of the Cross Memorial Garden in Nisswa, MN.
Memorials are preferred to Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa, MN or St James Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN.

Arrangements for Marvel have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401.