Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Bonnie Lou Seegmiller, 92, of Howard Lake passed away peacefully on September 2 , 2025 at GlenFields Living with Care, Glencoe. Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home, Howard Lake. Visitation will be held at 10 am, the service at 11 am followed with a reception at 12:30 pm in the American Legion in Howard Lake.
Bonnie was born on September 9, 1932, the same day as her Mother’s birthday, in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Louise Gertrude Hender (Thompson) and Roger William Hender. She attended schools in Wyoming and Colorado.
At 16, Bonnie sang in a Denver music store for customers who requested sheet music to be played by a pianist and singer. Her repertoire included gospel, blues, jazz, and the current songs at the time.
She graduated early from East High School in 1950 and began classes at the University of Denver. One class Bonnie enjoyed was Radio Broadcasting. Her voice and writing were worthy of earning an “A” but her male professor told her he wouldn’t give her the deserved grade because she was a woman.
Bonnie worked in a variety of capacities in Denver. She was a sales woman and cashier at Kresge’s Department Store, Walgreen’s, and Woolworth’s. Later she would work two jobs to help her mother financially who had heart disease. At one time she worked for a tailor during the day and hostess at a Chinese restaurant in the evening.
Bonnie was a member and sang in the choir at Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver and would marry her husband, William “Bill” Matt Seegmiller in the Chapel. She was working for Wesco Fabrics in sales and designing when she and Bill decided to begin the next chapter of their lives and move to Minnesota. They first resided in St. Louis Park and then Bill’s job as an engineer brought them to Howard Lake. During this time, Bonnie was a homemaker and worked at Tonka Toys Inc. in Mound while enjoying ceramic classes and joined the Women’s Bowling League in Howard Lake.
Bonnie became a devoted member and joined the choir at Walker United Methodist Church in Howard Lake. Her wealth of knowledge in music led her to soon become the choir director. She then joined the Sweet Adelines and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with the group in competitions.
One of many accomplishments for Bonnie was celebrating 50 years at Braham-Gilmer Monument Works, formerly Gilmer Monument Works. She began as a secretary to Gerry Gilmer and Jay Gilmer, the founders son’s. Her vast knowledge, compassion, and intuitiveness in sales and marketing would lead her to become Sales Manager. When Braham bought out Gilmer’s, Bonnie continued in her position and worked independently with the sales team in Braham, Minnesota.
In 1993, Bonnie was asked to sing for a special Mother’s Day edition on her daughter Kathryn’s radio program. She sang the song, M-O-T-H-E-R (A Word That Means the World To Me). She and her daughter won a Public Broadcasting award for the program.
Bonnie held various board positions with Sweet Adelines, Walker United Methodist Church, Howard Lake Business Association, and Good Neighbor Days Committee. She was also a member of the Howard Lake Library, the WOW group, and St. Mary’s Choir.
In 2000, Bonnie was recognized as Honorary Commodore for her dedication as Co-Chair of Good Neighbor Days. She would continue to receive various honors throughout her life.
Bonnie loved to sing, dance, attend the theater, concerts, and movies, read mysteries, enjoy life every day, and always stayed positive and optimistic. She was a good friend and great mentor to many young women especially to her daughters, Kathryn and Valerie and loved her grandchildren deeply.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents Louise Gertrude Cline, Roger William Hender, and husband, William Matt Seegmiller. She is survived by her daughters, Kathryn McCormick (Tim), Valerie Olson (Chris), grandchildren Jason Shaddox, Michael Veaderko (Liz), Noelle Veaderko (Brad Pachnik), David Thacker (Wendy), step great grandson, Jeremy, great granddaughter, Madelyn and many dear friends.
The family would like to recognize GlenFields Living with Care, Glencoe: Ridgeview Wound Care, Waconia; and Ridgeview Home Healthcare, Waconia for their care, compassion, and respect for Bonnie.

Kay Michael “Sonny” McCalla, age 85, of Howard Lake, Minnesota, passed away on September 2, 2025.
He was born January 11, 1940, in Middleville Township, Minnesota, to Louis Henry and Martha Julia
(Lehtola) McCalla. He grew up in rural Howard Lake alongside his siblings Patricia, Ada, Joan, and David
and attended high school in Howard Lake. On January 5, 1962, Kay was united in marriage to Elvira
Constance (Barlau) McCalla. Together they raised five children—Leah Lynn, Jacob, Bethany, Angela, and
Sunnie Grace—on their family farm northwest of Howard Lake. He was a proud grandfather to Courtnie,
Jasamyne, Jaibyne, and Samaya, and great-grandfather to Orion, Silas, Haaken, Kadence, Emilayne,
Mavis, and Cormick. Kay was baptized on May 18, 1941, and later confirmed in faith at Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Cokato, Minnesota. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He
was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Martha McCalla. He will be remembered with love for his
kindness toward family, his steady presence, and the many lives he touched. Services will be held
Saturday, September 6, at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, Minnesota, with visitation at
1:00 pm and a funeral service at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in
Annandale, Minnesota, with a light luncheon afterward at the church.

Terry S. Kotila, age 59 of Cokato, died Saturday August 23, 2025.
Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday September 20, 2025 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, French Lake with visitation one hour prior to the service. Reverend Jerome Nikunen will officiate. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, French Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Terry Scott Kotila was born March 22, 1966 in Litchfield, Minnesota to Toivo and Alyce Kotila. He grew up in the Cokato area along with his 10 siblings. Terry was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He attended Dassel Cokato High School. In his youth, Terry enjoyed fishing on Big Swan Lake and hunting on family land. Terry made his home in Cokato for the last five years before health problems had him moving to facilities in central Minnesota. His prior work history was in the roofing and construction industry. Phone calls to his children were very important to him and something he looked forward to.
Terry is survived by his two children, son Cody Kotila and daughter Kylie Kotila of Mesa, Arizona; siblings Ellyn Guerre (Mike Hannan) of Blaine, Larry (Gloria) Kotila of Dassel, Betty (Roland) Jurgens of Clearwater, Jerry Kotila of Kimball, Cheryl (Mike) Watson of Appleton, WI, Darrel (Kathleen) Kotila of South Haven, Brenda Stoffer of Morris, Diana Hentges of Watkins, many nieces and nephews; and other family members. He was preceded in death by his ex-wife Kim; parents; siblings Marlyn Hunt and Bonnie Kotila; and nephew Todd Roy.

Debbie Jean Sheldon, the only daughter and child of Gene and Bernice Marquette was born on June 3rd, 1955 in Sisseton SD.
Debbie married Dennis Sheldon on August 20th, 1988 and together they shared 3 children, along with 2 children from a previous marriage.
Debbie was a great housekeeper and cook. Many who knew Debbie were able to enjoy her homemade chili, chicken dumpling soup, some baked goods as well as some of her homemade “beverages” She had a green thumb and the knack for growing amazing indoor plants. She also enjoyed listening to music. Debbie could be known for her feisty nature and shenanigans, and many referred to her as “Ma”. Debbie especially enjoyed spending time with her grandkids. She adored them greatly.
During this past year with Doctor’s appointments, she found a new favorite drink from Starbucks. Dragon fruit with coconut milk. She would always have to stop for one. If you are out and about, enjoy one and remember Debbie.
Everyone who met Debbie, instantly liked her spunk. There are many memories to share, and she was loved deeply by many.
Debbie passed away at the age of 70 on August 29th, 2025.
She is survived by her children: Sonia Ewald of Litchfield, Chantel (Brice) Gillman of Darwin, Sarah Sheldon of Cokato, Kevin (Michelle) Sheldon of Dassel, and Kyle (Katie) Sheldon of St Paul. Six Grandsons: Bodee, Gaven (Molly), Deon, Kayden, Carter and Liam. Six Granddaughters: Morgan, Isabella (Noah), Brooklyn, McKenna, Leah and Grace. Three step-grandchildren: Kirsten, Arrik and Liam. And was soon to be a Great grandma.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents Gene and Bernice Marquette and her husband Dennis Sheldon.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 3rd from 3:00-5:00 PM at the Swanson Peterson Funeral Home, Cokato, Minnesota.

Grace Kristine Niemela, 22, passed away peacefully at her home on August 27, 2025. Grace was born on May 24, 2003 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Sam and Michelle Niemela. She graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School in 2021.

Grace shared a special bond with her brothers, cousins, and dear friends cherishing time spent together whether in quiet conversation or on exciting adventures. Grace had a love for travel and had the opportunity to visit many places across the US. She was always looking for travel buddies and planning her next trip! Her journeys with family and friends created a lifetime of meaningful memories that she held close to her heart. Grace had an artistic touch and often expressed herself through watercolor and ink. She had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age which allowed her to achieve her dream of purchasing a horse and trailer. For nearly ten years she enjoyed training, competing and most importantly time spent with family and friends who supported her.

Grace’s life was rooted in her faith. She held several Bible verses close to her heart, drawing strength and peace from scripture throughout her life. Her faith was evident in the way that she lived – with kindness, courage and a generous heart. She connected with people of all ages and had a way of making them feel special. Grace will be remembered for her radiant smile, her fearless pursuit of what she loved and her ability to bring light and joy to those around her.

Grace is survived by her parents, Sam and Michelle Niemela; siblings Cole (Elle), Rhett and Markus; grandparents, Nathan and Nancy Niemela and Pete and Deb Halonen; many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family who loved her dearly.

Funeral Service for Grace will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 2nd at First Apostolic Lutheran Church, Dassel, Minnesota.
Visitation will be from 4-7 PM at the church on Monday, September 1st. Also one hour prior to service on Tuesday at the church.
Internment will be at the Cokato Finnish Cemetery following funeral services.