Continue reading »]]> Margie E. Bluhm, formerly of Hutchinson, MN, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, age 89 at Cokato Manor Nursing Home.
Margie was born April 28, 1937 in Bertha, MN, the fourth child in a large and loving family of eleven children. Throughout her childhood and many moves around the state her role as caregiver was established. This served Margie well for the rest of her life and she became a trusted friend and confidant to many.
After moving to Hutchinson, MN in 1968 with a family of her own Margie further developed her artistic abilities with drawings and painted ceramics adorning the family home. And as a talented seamstress she fashioned clothing, quilts and embroidery pieces. Margie was also an avid and accomplished bowler acquiring many ribbons and trophies and participating in tournaments over the years. Family vacations to the Smokey Mts, the Gulf of Mexico, the Rocky Mts and many places in between created cherished memories.
While caring for her family was a priority, Margie also had various jobs outside of the home. She is perhaps best remembered in the Hutchinson community as a bartender at the American Legion.
On January 1, 1983, Margie married the love of her life, Roger Bluhm. They were inseparable for 42 years with Margie relishing her role as companion, confidant and loving partner. She was happiest when taking care of Roger and seeing to his needs.
Margie died peacefully within a year of Roger’s passing; both were residents at Cokato Manor Nursing Home. She is once again his companion.
She was preceded in death by her husband Roger; parents Carl and Clara Nelson; brothers Carroll, Darrel and Bernie Nelson; sisters Susie (Nelson) Klatt and Carla (Nelson) Mador.
Margie is survived by her daughter Peggy Koenig; step children Lynette (Bluhm) Fraher, Karla (Bluhm) Noble, Steven Bluhm (fiancée Linda Stahlke), and Robert Bluhm; brothers Ronald, Bruce and Rick Nelson; sisters Elaine (Nelson) Hageman and Judy Nelson; sisters in law Barb Nelson, Julie Nelson and Eunice (Bluhm) Howe; many nieces and nephews as well as step grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A private memorial will 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
If you wish to honor Margie’s memory, enjoy some time in a flower garden and be at peace.
Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Continue reading »]]> Glen Joseph Reil, Jr., of Howard Lake, Minnesota, passed away at his home on June 21, 2026, at the age of 82.
Born on October 30, 1943, in Hutchinson, Minnesota, to Glen and Lorraine Reil who raised him in Augusta (Chaska), Minnesota, Glen lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a willingness to help others. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed.
Glen proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego during his years of service. After returning home, he met the love of his life, Dianne, while working at Powell’s Candy Factory.
Never one to stop learning, Glen returned to college later in life and became an Electronic Technician, spending many years working on life-saving medical equipment.
After many years in Delano, Glen and Dianne retired to their dream home in Howard Lake, where he enjoyed the simple pleasures of country living. He loved restoring and repairing cars, building computers, tackling home improvement projects, caring for his trees and garden, listening to music, watching comedy classics, sharing stories from his Navy days, and engaging in spirited political debates. Above all, Glen found his greatest joy in spending time with his family and lending a helping hand whenever it was needed.
Glen is survived by his daughter, Jill Reil; his son, Daniel (Joy) Reil; grandchildren, Daniel (Chelsea) Reil, Jr., Thomas Reil, and Samantha Reil; great-grandchildren; sisters, Faith (Frank) Blackowiak and Sue (Ralph) Engebrit; and brother, Robert Reil.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of many years, Dianne Reil; his son, Brian Reil; his grandson, Robert Reil; his parents, Glen and Lorraine Reil; and his brother, David Reil.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 with the visitation at 10a.m. and the service with military honors at 11a.m. and lunch following at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 111 Winsted Ave W, Winsted, MN 55395. Internment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450 on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 11a.m.
Glen will be remembered as a gentle giant—a man known for his quick wit, memorable one-liners, infectious laugh, attentive ear, and generous heart. He was the person family and friends could always count on to lend a hand, solve a problem, or share a story. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family will remain with all who were fortunate enough to know him.
The family finds comfort in knowing that Glen and Dianne are together once again, reunited after a lifetime of love. Though their absence leaves an immeasurable void, their legacy lives on in the family they cherished and the memories they created together.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota 320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> With profound sadness and love, we announce the passing of Rena Michele Snyder, who went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 19, 2026, at age 52, surrounded by her family.
Born on June 16, 1974, to Steven and Deborah Dalen, Rena lived a life centered on faith, family, compassion, and service. She was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, beloved daughter, sister, and friend whose kindness and strength touched many lives.
Above all else, Rena’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother to Brittany Gildea (Jordan), Brennan Snyder (Cayla), Blake Snyder, Brady Snyder, Brielle Snyder, and Briggs Snyder. She was an adoring grandmother to Sawyer Gildea, Avah Gildea, and Everly Snyder, who brought immeasurable happiness to her life.
Rena spent more than 15 years working in the medical field as a Health Unit Coordinator, where she was known for her caring heart and dedication. She also served as a Health and Wellness Coach, encouraging people to live healthier and happier lives.
Rena embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She loved singing, dancing, traveling, and making memories with the people she loved most. Her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and positive spirit could light up any room. She had a gift for making others feel welcomed, valued, and loved.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Baby Blair Snyder; her grandparents, Richard and Evelyn Dalen and Leroy and Lillian LaCrosse; and her former parents-in-law, Robert and Bernice Snyder.
Rena is survived by her children; her grandchildren; her parents, Steven and Deborah Dalen; her siblings, Richard Dalen (Karola), Noelle Vernoy, and Danielle Pipho (Nick); her former husband, James Snyder; bonus mom Becky Cram, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Rena faced life’s challenges with courage, resilience, and faith. Even through difficult times, she continued to inspire those around her with her strength, determination, and trust in God. While her family grieves the loss of her physical presence, they find comfort in knowing that she is now healed, at peace, and dancing in the presence of her Savior.
Rena’s legacy of love, faith, compassion, and perseverance will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A memorial service for Rena will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday June, 27 at Fireside Fellowship Church in Cokato. A visitation will be held on Friday June 26 from 4:00-7:00 PM and also 1 hour prior to service at the church.

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

Continue reading »]]> On the evening of November 22, 2025, Lowell Pettit quietly departed this world on his 91st birthday. He was surrounded by friends that had come to celebrate with him. The circle of life was completed on the very day it began, November 22, 1934 in the small town of Cokato, Minnesota.
Lowell’s story stretched across decades and landscapes. For eighty years, he called the Twin Cities home before moving to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Wherever he lived, he carried with him a gentle spirit, a warm smile, and hugs.
He was a man of heart, always wanting to help others. For thirty summers, he led groups of teenagers from Faith UMC into the hills of Appalachia, teaching them not only how to repair homes but how to repair hope. He journeyed to Nicaragua with Mayo physicians, where together they built an operating room—a beacon of healing that, though later destroyed by Hurricane Mitch, stood as a testament to his determination to serve. In Tennessee, he lifted hammers for Habitat for Humanity, and in Minnesota, he helped bring Stephen Ministry to life at Faith UMC.
Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Stuart, and his first wife, Jeanette. He is survived by his wife Patricia, his four siblings — Jan, Dona, Glen, and Patty, his children Pamela, Phil, and Geri, his granddaughters Amber and Elena, his great-granddaughter Ana, and his stepsons Erol and Altan.
Lowell rests in God’s peace now while his memory is carried forward within the lives of those he touched.

Memorial service: Monday, June 29, at Faith United Methodist Church, 2708 33rd Ave NE, St. Anthony MN 55418 (One block west of Silver Lake Rd at the corner of 33rd Ave NE and Belden Dr) Visitation at 9 am; service at 10 am; brunch to follow. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM at the Cokato City Cemetery.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota 320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> David Chavez, age 70, of Howard Lake, MN passed away on June 16, 2026. David grew up in East Saint Paul and spent his life building relationships, working hard, and caring deeply for those he loved. He took great pride in being a husband, brother, and friend. Whether sharing stories, offering advice, lending a helping hand, or simply spending time together, David made those around him feel welcome especially with his bouquets of flowers and his cooking skills.
David enjoyed hunting, taxidermy, fishing, leaf blowing the cotton fuzz at the lake, setting a fine table, and big bonfires at the deer shack. He was known for his generosity, enthusiasm and his love of chatting up all the store workers in town. He will be remembered for his many years supporting others in the healthcare field as a phlebotomist; there was no pain when David drew your blood.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jean Chavez, siblings Jeanne, Tery, Diana, Joe Junior, Anita, Michelle, Andrea, Derrick and many other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. David was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Chavez, nephew, Gabriel, and other close family members
A memorial service to celebrate David’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 20 at the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, MN with visitation beginning one hour prior followed by a lunch at the American Legion.
Though he is no longer with us, David leaves behind loved ones who will miss him tremendously along with those whose lives will forever be brightened by knowing him. We love you, David, always and forever.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota. 320-543-3401 www.swansonpeterson.com

Continue reading »]]> On June 5th, 2026, Beatrice Helen (nee Haag) Buttenhoff of Cokato passed away at the age of 83 years.
Bea would like to let you know that her work here is done. She received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends; some of which she has not seen in a long time.”
Beatrice was born March 26, 1943, to Ervin and Eliza Haag at the Cokato Hospital. She lived in various places around Howard Lake with her parents and 3 younger sisters. She graduated from Howard Lake High School and proceeded to find her calling for a job by way of a Bank Teller for 40 years. Along the way she found various ways to volunteer her time by serving and sharing her talents to brighten the lives of others. Bea found beauty and joy in the simple things around her. She remained living in the Howard Lake area her whole life and created many lasting friendships with those she encountered along the way.
She will lovingly be remembered by her children Daryl (Dorothy) Buttenhoff and Dwan (Larry) Tjeerdsma. Grandchildren David (Chelsea) Buttenhoff; Danielle (Jared) Horton; Clare (Jason) Vandervliet and Luke Tjeerdsma. Sisters Evelyn (Dale) Schmieg and Karen (Merlyn) Schmieg. Great, Great Grandchildren Blake and Lydia Buttenhoff; Sophia and Chase Horton; Amara Grambihler; Landon and Nathan Vandervliet; as well as a great host of relatives and friends.
She was predeceased and welcomed to the next appointment by her loving husband Melvin Buttenhoff of 53 years. Granddaughter Grace Tjeerdsma; Sister Ruth Massingham; Brother-in-law William Massingham; Niece Connie Bauman; Nephew Richard Schmieg and her parents Ervin and Eliza Haag.

Christian Funeral Services are to be held at Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Cokato, MN on June 20th at 11am with visitation an hour prior to services.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Good Shepard Church in Cokato or of your choosing.

The family wishes to extend gratitude for your love and support during this difficult time.
No individual Thank yous will be sent.

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

Continue reading »]]> Eugene Alan Amborn of Cokato, Minnesota died peacefully in his home on May 27th, 2026 with his family present. He was born on September 7th, 1954 in Ortonville, Minnesota to Albert and Annie Amborn.
Eugene graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School in 1972. He married Mary Schmitz on September 25th, 1982. Together they bought a house in Cokato and had 3 children. They later moved to a new house in Cokato after the tornado of 1992 where they have been ever since. Eugene and Mary were married for 44 years.
Eugene worked at Jack & Jill, Knaus’s, Dura Supreme for 37 years, and the Dassel-Cokato Schools as a custodian. He enjoyed going to ball games, sporting events, the Cokato Corn Carnival, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
He is preceded in death by his parents Albert & Annie Amborn, sister Joanne Amborn, brother Gary Amborn, nephew Keith, niece Kimberly, and sister-in-law Okhui.
He is survived by his wife Mary Amborn, daughters Tracy (Joe) Amborn/Chloupek, and Theresa (Mitch) Ainslie, son Thomas (Sheila) Amborn, grandchildren Victor, Skylar, Xylona, Zoie, Matthias, Isabel, Ariel, and Joey, great-grandchild, Lylla, and siblings, Leo (Barb) Amborn, Lois (Alan) Teeple, Richard (Kathy) Amborn, Doris (David) Amborn, and Jan Amborn.
A memorial service for Eugene will be held at the St. John’s Education Center in Cokato, Minnesota on Sunday, July 12th at 2:00 PM with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM and lunch to follow.

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

Continue reading »]]> Kevin Roy Reed “Bonez,” age 60, of Cokato, Minnesota, passed away at his home on May 11, 2026. He was born on September 6, 1965 in Litchfield, Minnesota, to Roy and Barbara Reed. Kevin attended Dassel-Cokato High School.
In 1990, Kevin married Dawn Schuette, and together they welcomed two children, Brandon and Marissa. They made their home in Howard Lake until their divorce in 1999. Kevin then returned to Cokato, where he remained for the rest of his life.
Kevin spent much of his working years in construction and roofing alongside his brother, Dave. He also worked as a cook at the Iron Horse in Cokato. Kevin battled cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and addiction, conditions that ultimately led to his passing.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Barbara Reed; his brother, David Reed; and several aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his children, Brandon (Emily) Reed of Maple Lake and Marissa (Mitch) Wurm of Howard Lake; his brother, Tim Reed of Millcreek, Utah; his cherished grandchildren, Kinsley Wurm, Eleanor Reed, Emmett Wurm, Evelyn Wurm, and Maverick Reed; his aunts & uncles, Norma (Richard) Marquardt and Betty (Glenn) Rosenow, along with cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A private memorial service will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Maple Lake on Saturday, May 23.
Final interment will take place at Lake Arvilla Cemetery.
“Do not be afraid… for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
— 2 Chronicles 20:15

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.