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.

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