Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

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

Rodney Dean Pettit, age 85, passed away on October 26, 2026, at the Annandale Care Center in Annandale, Minnesota.
Rodney was born on November 24, 1940, to Bedford “Spike” and Gladys (Rudquist) Pettit. He grew up in the Cokato area and graduated from Cokato High School in 1959. On January 11, 2003, Rodney was united in marriage to Jeanne Lange (Olson).

Rodney had a lifelong love for dairy farming and also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and beloved dogs. After retiring from farming, he worked for Northwest Airlines and St. Mary’s Care Facility.

Rodney was a friendly and kindhearted man who truly enjoyed visiting with others. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes, often bringing smiles and laughter to those around him. He enjoyed a good conversation, socializing with friends and family, and, in his later years, the challenge of putting puzzles together. He will be fondly remembered for his warm smile, gentle nature, and the kindness he showed to those around him.

Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne; her four children, Lisa (Alan) Hensel, John (Julie) Lange, Todd (Mary) Lange, and Amy (Bryan) Neisen; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his sister, Beverly (Jim) Polt; his brother, David Pettit, and his significant other, Vicky Morrill; his niece, Stephanie (Ben) Foxen; his nephew, Derrick (Sara) Polt; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law; and his brother-in-law, Dean Olson, and Dean’s wife, Impie.

Rodney’s kind heart, welcoming smile, and love for conversation will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service for Rodney will take place this Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Monticello, Minnesota. A visitation will be held starting one hour before the service. The burial will take place at 1:45 PM at the Cokato City Cemetery.

Funeral 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

Randi Lou Wolfe (Niccum), age 76, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer.
Randi will be lovingly remembered by her children, Shannon (Jason) Miller, Timothy (Renea) Ahlberg, Todd (Penny) Wolfe, and Tony (Paula) Wolfe; her siblings, Kerry (Carol) Niccum, Jody (Dave) Lewis, and Penny Stannard; her grandchildren, Jake (Cassidy), Hailey, Cristian, Matthew, Trinitee, Guilianna, Nikki, and Dean; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Betty Niccum; her twin brother, Rick; her nieces, Jamie and Libby; and her former husband, Walter “Bud” Wolfe.
Randi will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

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