Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

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

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

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

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

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