Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

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.

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

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

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.

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

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