Continue reading »]]> Deane Cloose, 91, of Howard Lake, MN, died Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Good Samaritan Home, Howard Lake, MN.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, MN. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, and interment will be at the St. James Lutheran Cemetery immediately following the service. Please join the family for a luncheon at St. James Lutheran Church following the interment.
Deane was born in Bemidji, MN, on March 9, 1935, to his parents, Rudolph & Alice Cloose of Pinewood, MN where he grew up on their dairy farm and attended a one-room schoolhouse taught by his mother, Alice. When he wasn’t helping with chores, he enjoyed playing baseball and riding the one bicycle he shared with his siblings.
He worked at the Pine River Good Samaritan Home when he met Shirley, his wife of 59 years, while she was visiting her grandpa. As Shirley said, “sparks began to fly,” and they were soon wed at the Good Samaritan Home’s chapel. They were beloved by the staff and residents who celebrated their marriage.
Shortly after getting married, the couple moved to Howard Lake, MN and started their family. They had two children, Greg and Deanna. The family were active members at St. James Lutheran Church, enjoyed camping trips and Twin’s games together. Deane worked at Cokato Good Samaritan Home doing janitorial work. He also held other jobs, Rockford Bakery where he was a baker, Young America as a packer and side jobs, painting, and selling Shaklee products.
He worked for many years making cabinets at Dura Supreme Cabinetry and retired to fish and watch the Minnesota Twins. Regardless of their record, Deane was an avid fan, and listening to the radio or watching the game on TV was a favorite pastime throughout his life. One of his greatest joys in retirement came with the birth of his granddaughter’s.
In April of 2025, Deane and Shirley moved into the Good Samaritan Home of Howard Lake, MN. While Deane’s time there was short he really enjoyed living there, loved the staff and made some new friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Joanne (Cloose) Jernigan, and brothers Dale and Richard (Dick). He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Petrie) Cloose; his brothers, Dennis (Bonnie) Cloose and Donald (Elvera) Cloose; his children, Gregory Cloose (Laura) and Deanna Cloose; and two granddaughters, Emma and Lillie.

Continue reading »]]> Patricia Deanne Johnson, age 89, passed away at Cokato Manor on July 15 th , 2026.
Patricia was born in Boyd, MN to LeRoy and Vivian Winge on April 25, 1937, at home. LeRoy worked at his father’s grain elevator. Vivian worked at her father’s restaurant.
Patty was baptized at home. They were members of Trinity Lutheran in Boyd, MN.
The family moved to Lamberton MN, where LeRoy sold seed corn. Patty went to kindergarten there. The next move was to Farmington, MN. Patty attended 1st grade and started 2nd grade there when in 1944, LeRoy joined the Merchant Marines. Vivian and Patty moved to Stockholm, MN to live with Grampa Ben at the Stockholm Store. Patty finished 2 nd grade at Stockholm School and continued her education there through 6th grade.
She was confirmed at Stockholm Lutheran Church in 1941 and graduated from Cokato High School in 1955.
After graduating, Pat moved to Minneapolis and held many jobs working at Produce State Bank, American Casualty Insurance Company and International Harvester Company.
She met her husband, Robert Johnson, in 1956. They were married on July 19th , 1958, at Stockholm Lutheran Church. They started their married life in NE Minneapolis then, bought their first home in Bloomington, MN in 1960 where they lived for 10 years. During this time, they had 5 children, Kelly, Kevin, Kent, Kristen and Kraig.
In 1970, they moved to Cokato and built their own home. When all the children were in school, Pat went to work outside of the home. She worked at FabriCraft and FabriTech in Cokato and retired from Nortronics in Dassel after 25 years.
Pat loved crafting, sewing, collecting antiques, flower gardening and arranging, teaching and making wonderful ceramic things, singing in the church choir, traveling and spending time with
family and friends.
She was a Campfire Girls leader in Bloomington and a Brownie and 4H leader in Cokato. She belonged to several women’s organizations such as the Legion Auxiliary and Hobby Club and also served on many church groups including church council, WELCA President and Crow River WELCA Treasurer. She also led a women’s bible study for many years and was a member of the Altar Guild.
She spent summer vacations at the cabin at Lake Kabetogama way up north. She enjoyed winter vacations as long as it was someplace warm, preferably by water. Time spent in Florida and the Padre Islands in Texas were her favorites.
Her grandchildren were very special to her. She enjoyed providing daycare when they were babies and loved every minute of it. She was also blessed with five great grandchildren.
Pat is survived by her loving husband, Robert, children Kelly Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Kent Johnson, Kristen (Rick) Smutka and Kraig Johnson. Grandchildren Eric Johnson, Kaitlyn (Tucker) Forstie, Alicia (Jason) Just and great grandchildren Jett, Nash and Briggs Forstie and Logan and Carter Just. She is also survived by her sister Carol Fuller and Mike (Sue) Winge and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pat was preceded in death by LeRoy and Vivian Winge (parents), Sophie and Charlie Martin (in-laws), Jerry Johnson and Royce Fuller (brothers-in-law) and Mark Gabrielson (husband of niece Laura).
Funeral services for Patricia will be held on Monday, July 20 th at 11:00 AM at Stockholm Lutheran Church in Cokato, MN. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Minnesota Stroke Association and/or the American Diabetes Association.

Continue reading »]]> June Eleanor Harju, age 92, passed away peacefully at Cokato Manor on July
10, 2026.
June was born on September 20, 1933, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to Arvo and Aune Lehtinen.
She grew up in Fitchburg and graduated from high school there.
June met her soulmate, Neal Harju, while he was stationed in
Massachusetts with the U.S. Army. They were united in marriage on
March 20, 1954, by Reverend Reino Kallio in Fitchburg. They then
lived in Germany for a short time while Neal continued his military
service.
After returning to the United States, Neal and June made their home
in Cokato, where they raised their three children. June worked at
Green Giant during the corn pack seasons, in the kitchen at Cokato
Elementary School, and later as a TMA at both Dassel Lakeside and
Cokato Manor nursing homes.

June was a lifelong member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she cherished time spent with her family and her dear Christian friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Joanne (Gary) Chamberlain of Cokato, Linda Samuelson of Cokato, and Maria Harju of Howard Lake; grandchildren Tara (Timm) Hagen, Sheila Chamberlain, Erin (Kevin) Parenteau, Jessi (Mike) Hauan, Kelsey (Carsten) Proehl, Derrek (Amanda) Harju, and Jaden Samuelson; great-grandchildren Akadia, Austin, Alana, Noah, Jolynn, Brooke, Trenton, Micah, Eliana, Nathanael, Ryker, Rhett, Rexton, and great-great granddaughter, Parker; her sister, Diane Kangas of Grafton, Massachusetts; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other dear extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Neal; her parents, Arvo Lehtinen and Aune Kangas; her beloved grandmother, Lena Ritari; her grandson, Brandon Chamberlain; her great-granddaughter, Aubrey Parenteau; and many other dear extended family members and friends.

Funeral services for June will take place on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00am with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service, at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church, Dassel, Minnesota.

Continue reading »]]>
July 14, 1933 – July 6, 2026
Donald “Don” Shoutz, age 92, passed away on July 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, education, service, and dedication to his family and community.
Don was born on July 14, 1933, in Forrest City, Minnesota. He attended District 44 Country School south of Watkins before graduating from Kimball High School in 1951. He continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1960 with double majors in History and Biology and a minor in Physical Education. He later completed graduate work toward a master’s degree in European History.
Don devoted more than three decades to education. He began his teaching career in Royalton, where he taught for three years before moving to Cokato in 1963. After spending one year teaching in Montevideo, he returned to Cokato, where he became a beloved social studies teacher at Dassel-Cokato High School. Throughout his career, Don also coached numerous sports and faithfully served as the public address announcer for football, basketball, wrestling, and swimming events until his retirement in 1993. His passion for teaching and school athletics left a lasting impression on generations of students and families.
Outside the classroom, Don found great joy in the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed practicing taxidermy for 25 years, a craft that reflected his appreciation for nature.
On December 30, 1961, Don married the love of his life, Lois Turnquist, at Randall Presbyterian Church in Randall, Minnesota. Their marriage was marked by enduring love, faith, and perseverance. After the heartbreaking loss of their infant son and daughter, who were born prematurely and are buried in St. Cloud, they lovingly adopted two children through Lutheran Social Service of Minneapolis—a son, Shawn, and a daughter, Kari.
Faith was the cornerstone of Don’s life. As his Christian walk deepened, he faithfully served his church as an elder, deacon, and Sunday school teacher. He also volunteered for 15 years as an instructor for the 55 Alive driver safety program, sharing his knowledge and care for others.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Ora Shoutz, wife Lois Turnquist, his infant son and daughter, and brothers Clayton, Doug and Vernon.
He is survived by his son, Shawn (Lesa) Shoutz, grandchildren Justin (Maggie) Shoutz; James (Cassie) Larson, Sara Jo (Jason) Newborg, Mason (Eternity) Gottwalt, Gavin (Amy) Gottwalt; daughter Kari (Joe Jarl), grandchildren; Courtney (Blake) Hansen, Gunnar Jarl, Leif Jarl, 16 great grand children, brothers; Lowell (Sandy), Kenneth (Carol) and Sister Linda Lou (Jim) Schmitt.
Don’s greatest legacy was not found in awards or accomplishments, but in the countless students, athletes, church members, family, and friends whose lives were shaped by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church in Cokato, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial preferred to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, MN 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com

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 service for Margie will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 11:00am at the Oakland Cemetery Niche Wall in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
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
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota 320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

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