Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Scott Atwood Mabusth (May 5, 1931 – January 6, 2026) passed away peacefully at his home in Long Lake, Minnesota, surrounded by family. Scott was a lifelong inventor and computer technology pioneer whose career spanned the earliest era of punch-card computing through the rise of interactive interfaces. Known for his curiosity, ingenuity, and determination to make technology more human-friendly, he dedicated his life to building and advancing systems that helped people interact with information in more intuitive ways. Scott was born on May 5, 1931, in the rural town of Cokato, Wright County, Minnesota, to Arthur S. Mabusth and Adelle A. Mabusth. When he was 12, his family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, where a defining spark was lit when his father brought home a radio salvaged from a Russian tank, and Scott became captivated by electronics. He spent countless hours learning how electronic signals moved, how circuits behaved, and how devices could be repaired and improved. He learned wherever he could and often lingered at a wholesale electronics store in Greensboro where staff shared their knowledge freely. He also found a mentor in the neighborhood who was a ham radio operator and spent evenings learning how radios were built and operated. At 15, Scott’s parents moved to Winston-Salem, but Scott stayed behind in Greensboro for several months, living at the YMCA while he decided what to do next. He ultimately rejoined his family and soon found work at Western Electric in the accounting department, where he worked with IBM punch-card equipment. Even as a teenager, Scott was drawn to the logic and mechanics behind the machines. He configured punch-card operations, debugged mechanical issues, and watched closely when IBM technicians performed maintenance. He was fascinated by relay-based systems that were laying the groundwork for a new age of computing. He worked at Western Electric for two years, up to age 17. Drafted into the United States Air Force at 18, Scott was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He pursued assignments involving IBM punch-card systems—training civilians on the equipment and wiring new punch-card boards to support new applications. After two years, the Air Force acquired a new Univac system and selected Scott for six months of specialized training to perform hardware maintenance on the new architecture, which used vacuum tubes and magnetic tape storage. His training took him to New York and Philadelphia, and while in Philadelphia, Scott studied machine-language programming with Admiral Grace Hopper. Returning to Wright-Patterson, he became a true “jack-of-all-trades,” maintaining and troubleshooting both Univac and IBM systems at a time when the field was still being invented.After completing his military service at age 22, Scott returned to Minnesota and accepted a job with Univac in Minneapolis as a programmer. He spent his early years working on the Burlington Northern project implementing an accounting system, and he later advanced to lead programming teams delivering projects for many different companies. During this chapter of his life, he met Jeanne Andrea Gallagher—first in 1956 and again in 1957—and they were married in 1957 in New York City. Their partnership became the steady foundation for a life filled with family, innovation, and shared purpose. Scott’s wife Jeanne was the bedrock of the family, and she dearly loved and admired her husband. She was key in supporting all the years of Scott’s technical innovations and the companies he started that represented his lifelong accomplishments. She was there during the best of times and the most difficult of times, always supporting Scott at every step. Scott and Jeanne’s deep love and friendship for each other was the cornerstone of their lives together. Scott stepped away from Univac for a time to study at the University of Minnesota under the veteran’s assistance program, pursuing a college degree. After approximately two years, he returned to Univac as a software development manager, spending a total of nine years with the company. During those years, the Mabusth family lived primarily in Minneapolis, with a period in Lake Forest, Illinois, when Scott served as regional manager for the Eastern region before returning to Minneapolis to manage in the Midwest. Scott and Jeanne eventually made their home in Long Lake and later Medina (Morningside), where they raised their family. Around 1965, Scott joined Control Data Corporation (CDC) as a sales representative. Based out of the Golden Valley office near Highway 100 and Highway 12, Scott managed major accounts including the University of Minnesota, working across the medical school, atomic laboratory department, and university administration. During this time, he helped support major computing installations, including work associated with the first Cray supercomputer installation at the University of Minnesota. While at CDC, Scott gained early exposure to touch-driven terminal concepts and medical computing consoles. Ideas that would ultimately shape the next phase of his life’s work. The early touch approach used a large antenna/plate behind the terminal and sensed touch through the glass that was effective for large displays, but difficult to scale as devices became smaller. Scott was deeply involved in presenting and marketing these ideas at data processing and technology conferences, and he carried forward both the promise and the limitations of early touch interfaces. In 1969, Scott left CDC and founded his first company, Bionics Inc., in Minneapolis. According to Scott’s notes and family records, he pursued early work on touch-driven management information system (MIS) interfaces and developed concepts that evolved into a touch-based system for the Red Owl project. Family records describe development and pilot activity through 1969–1972, with the system becoming operational in 1973. In March 1973, Scott formed Information Dialogs in Minnesota (MN File 2G-145). Through the 1970s and into the early 1980s, he continued to build and commercialize touch-sensitive technology and related software in the Minneapolis metro area under the Information Dialogs / IDI umbrella. These were years defined by hands-on invention, refinement, and real-world product development. By the early 1980s, Scott’s work advanced into a new chapter. Around 1981 he began what would become Volks Communications, and the company was incorporated in Minnesota on August 4, 1982 (MN File 4E-152). Scott’s work reached a defining milestone in 1985 with his patent US4550221 (“Touch sensitive control device”), which describes a capacitive touch sensor using interleaved conductive plates arranged in rows and columns. A touch from a finger changes the local capacitance, and the system scans (multiplexes) the grid to compute the X–Y location of the touch on the surface. In plain terms, it laid out a practical way to turn a flat surface into an accurate touch input device that reliably detected where a person touched without mechanical switches. The approach helped establish core techniques for row/column capacitive sensing and scanning that are foundational to many modern capacitive touch interfaces (touchpads and touchscreens) used today. The patent’s influence is reflected in how often it is referenced in later touch sensitive innovations. Google Patents lists 425 later patent publications that cite US4550221 as prior art. Those citing patents include filings from recognizable technology companies—such as Apple, IBM, Synaptics, and others—showing that Scott’s work became part of the documented foundation that current touch-interface inventions were built upon. Outside of work, Scott found his greatest joy at home and being outdoors. He and Jeanne built a life on their three-acre property on North Brown Road in Long Lake. A place Scott loved to tend, improve, and quietly observe. He took special delight in the natural world around him, watching animals on the property and faithfully feeding the birds, often pausing simply to take in what he saw. Scott was also an avid photographer. He captured countless moments of family life over the years, along with the wildlife that visited the property, preserving memories with the same careful attention and appreciation that he brought to everything he did. Among many of Scott’s endearing traits, he had an amazing sense of humor. He would often wake up in the morning after dreaming up some hilarious joke, or some funny scenario or situation that always left his family in stitches. His humor was very creative and often a bit bawdy as well. He was sometimes asked to stand up at company parties and tell jokes about the company or coworkers that were always entertaining. That gift of humor didn’t stop with him and lives on in his children and grandchildren. His sense of humor even lasted up until his final days. He was a natural problem-solver with a deep love for mechanics. Someone who could fix virtually anything that broke. If a part was needed, Scott would find it, patiently searching through catalogs and finding exactly what was required. His determination and ingenuity were legendary within the family and there was rarely a problem he couldn’t diagnose, a device he couldn’t repair, or a solution he couldn’t devise. Scott also had a lifelong affection for sports cars. He especially loved a classic MG from his youth and a Jaguar MK2 that he purchased in 1965 as he was beginning family life with Jeanne. Cars that reflected his appreciation for design, craftsmanship, and the joy of the road. Music was another enduring passion. Scott loved many styles including jazz, R&B, and rock and roll. He attended countless concerts over the years with his family. He took real pride in the musical interests of his children and grandchildren and especially enjoyed hearing the bands they performed in. Scott was also an amazing dancer with his own style of movement that was uniquely his own. He would typically start grooving when the mood hit him, and his body moved in a style some might say inspired by James Brown. But above all else, Scott most loved being at home and spending time with his “best friend,” Jeanne, and welcoming visits from his children and grandchildren over the many years of his life. Scott is survived by his beloved wife of many decades, Jeanne Andrea Mabusth (Gallagher); his children John Mabusth, Scott Mabusth Jr. (Marianne), Stuart Mabusth (Mary), and Lee Mabusth (Mike Mayasich); his grandchildren Brittany Lane Mason, Patrick Mabusth (Kaitlyn), Kate Vitolo (Marc), Jared Mabusth, Nolan Mabusth (Cassie Meyer), and Drew Mabusth (Nick Benish); and his great-grandchildren Harper, Ingrid, Carter, Maverick, Sadie, Jay, JoAnn, and Mari. Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Adelle Mabusth; his brother Robert Mabusth; his sisters Audrey Mabusth and Joyce Mabusth; and his grandparents John J. Mabusth and Sarah Mabusth. Scott’s life was defined by a rare combination of technical brilliance and hands-on practicality and craftsmanship. An inventor who never stopped learning, building, testing, and improving. His legacy lives on in his wife Jeanne and the family he so dearly loved, the people he mentored and collaborated with, and the technologies he helped bring into the world! A service and celebration of life will be scheduled in Spring of 2026 when Scott’s family and friends can celebrate his life in the warmth that he shared with everyone around him. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Swansonpeterson.com 320 286 2534.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Alice Purtilo, 84, passed away peacefully at her home January 8, 2025, with her family present. She was born in Duluth, Minnesota, graduated from Alborn High School and started her great adventure when she married her husband Duane in 1959. The newlyweds moved to St. Paul, and began their joint venture at the University of Minnesota. While her husband studied Veterinary Medicine, Alice was the wind in his sails. During a 67 year marriage, they were an unbeatable team as Duane practiced Veterinary Medicine and Alice was the clinic manager, while also owning and managing her own travel agency in Delano.
In her free time, Alice traveled, camped, sewed, gardened, won countless ribbons for her baked goods at the Meeker and Wright County Fair, read the newspaper daily, and kept a lovely home. Family was the center of her life and she was a warm presence in the lives of her husband, children, brothers, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and her final reward, her great grandchildren.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Irene Hillstrom, mother-in-law Sadie Purtilo, and her brother and sister in laws David Purtilo and Diane Fremling. She will be greatly missed by her husband Duane Purtilo, her children Diane Cole (Patrick), Graden Purtilo (Rose), grandchildren Tyler Purtilo (Krystal), Allison Cole, William Cole and great grandchildren Easton and Tate Purtilo, her brothers Alvin Hillstrom, Marvin Hillstrom (Verna) and Daniel Hillstrom, and her beloved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior at the Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, Minnesota. swansonpeterson.com 320 543 3401. Luncheon will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Howard Lake, Minnesota.

George Wisuri, age 94, of Cokato, MN, passed into eternal life Thursday, December 18, 2025 at the Cokato Manor Nursing Home, Cokato, MN with his family by his side.
George was born August 27, 1931 in Champion, Michigan to Jacob and Ida (Miller) Wisuri. George graduated from Champion High School in 1949. He married Anna Wisuri in 1956 and they enjoyed a love-filled marriage that lasted 64 years. George delivered mail for 30 years and sold postal uniforms for several years in retirement. George took complete care of his wife Anna for many years as a dedicated husband. He was the best father, husband, grandpa one could ever hope for.
George is survived by his son Jeffrey Wisuri of Cokato, MN & his partner Dawn Kallenbach. His granddaughter, Sophia Wisuri of Cokato, MN; sister Faye Erickson of Phoenix AZ, Sister-in-law Luella Grangroth of Cokato, MN, and Mirium Ruonavaara of Laurium, MI..
Celebration of life & funeral will be delayed until late spring and will be held at the Laestadian Lutheran Church, Menahga. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, Minnesota, swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534.

Bradley Lee Westling passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026 in Cokato, Minnesota at the age of 76. He was born on January 7, 1949 in Sunnyside, Washington to parents Leon and Doris Westling. Bradley proudly served his country in the Navy for 22 years. He enjoyed fishing, Cokato Kernels baseball, crocheting hats & mittens, and playing cribbage in his free time. He was known for having an impeccable sense of humor.
Bradley is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Phillip and Doug Westling, and sister, Lynette Zanto.
He is survived by his wife, Gracemary Westling, son, Josh (Kelli) Westling, daughter, Heather Westling, and grandchildren, Carter, Molly, Meagan, and Charley Westling, siblings, Gerry (Jan) Westling, Mary (John) Barker, John (Susan) Westling, and Donny (Geni) Westling.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, Minnesota. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home, swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534.

Julie Mader (Broll), passed away Dec. 30th 2025 in the comfort of her home. She was born May 25th 1962, at St. Mary’s hospital in Winsted, to Larry and Gladys Broll. Survived by her husband Brad, her five children (Mathew, Daniel, Andrew, John, and Katherine), six grandchildren (Dakota Jedidia, Benjamin, Holly, Lyra and Rosalee), and two siblings that all loved her very much. As a daughter, sister, wife, mom and grandma she gave her all.
Very early on she had the passion to help people and made every single step to do so; She was the first CPR certified minor in the county, studied nursing at St. Cloud school of nursing MN, while she was in college she also became an EMT at night school. After the college was torn down, she used her EMT certification to become an ambulance team member for 11 years. God had blessed her during that time with three baby boys.
As life went on, she was blessed with another boy and a few years later a baby girl. Throughout her life her passion to help people never faded and started a naturopathy business where she touched even more lives through her knowledge and determination. She found her soulmate (Brad) while ballroom dancing and has, for the past 14 years, been the happiest woman in the world. If you had asked her what she was most proud of in her life she would say her five strong independent children and her lovely grandkids.
There will be a visitation Jan 11th 2026 at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato MN from 1pm to 3pm. swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534