Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

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, and by his infant son and daughter.
He is survived by his son, Shawn (Lesa) Shoutz, grandchildren Justin (Maggie) Shoutz; Levi Shoutz, Lilliana 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, and Marit Hansen.
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.

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

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

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

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