Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Maureen Wessman, 79, passed away at her home in Cokato on May 21, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, a few short months earlier on March 24, 2018 in Sun City, Arizona.
Maureen Jane Young was born February 26, 1939 in Hutchinson, the first of five children and the only daughter to Donald and Doris Young. The Youngs owned a farm in Stockholm Township and later in Lamson. Her brothers recall their sister often playing the piano at home, spending a lot of time with school friends and doing her best to keep her younger brothers in line, despite her gentle nature. She attended country school at Dahl School until 6th grade, participated in 4-H Club, and was active in music groups at Cokato High School, where she graduated in 1957. Maureen was confirmed at Stockholm Lutheran Church.
Maureen married Ralph Wessman on February 15, 1958 at Dassel Covenant Church. The couple lived in Minneapolis until returning to Cokato in 1960 where they would settle for the rest of their lives. Together they raised five children, Todd, Kerry, Brent, Bethel and Sara. Maureen was a devoted homemaker, wife and mother. In the early years while raising young children, she tended to the egg business they had at their farm, under the Jack Frost/Gold’n Plump umbrella. In 1985, Maureen went back to school and received her LPN degree from St. Cloud Technical College.
Like her father, Maureen was an accomplished pianist, able to play any melody by ear. She often played hymns and other favorites on their piano at home. She was active in community and church, as a part of Ladies’ Aid at Elim Mission Church, Christian Women’s Club, volunteering at the Cokato Museum, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and hosting Campus Life meetings in their home for many years. Maureen exercised her gift of hospitality by graciously welcoming many into their home and serving them with her genuine caring spirit. She was a gifted seamstress – making clothes for her children, quilter, avid reader, and in recent years was quick to jump in and learn the game of Mahjong, making new friends whose lives she ultimately touched. Maureen loved the Lord and did not hesitate to share the love of Jesus to those she crossed paths with, even in the days when her disease found her in the hospital. No matter her own condition, she redirected the focus off of herself and on to others.
Those who knew Maureen well describe her as a sweet, soft-spoken, easy-going, gentle and humble woman with a servant heart who rarely complained, raised her voice, or even uttered a negative word.
Maureen traveled widely with her husband and wintered for over 20 years in their home in Peoria, Arizona. They both spent significant time in Romania in the 1990’s with the Jesus Film Project.
Maureen is survived by her five children: Todd (Sarah) of Peoria, AZ, Kerry (Tom) Nelson of Cokato, Brent (Rebecca) of Annandale, Bethel (Mark) Vatsaas of Parker, Colorado and Sara (Dana) Beuning of Sauk Centre, 17 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three brothers, Mark Young of Tempe, AZ, and Bradley Young and Delmond Young, both of Cokato.
A Celebration of Life service for Maureen and her husband, Ralph, will be held Sunday, July 15th at 2:00 p.m. at Elim Mission Church, Cokato. Visitation will be at Swanson Peterson Funeral on Saturday, July 14th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with sharing and a time of reflection at 6:30 p.m.

Memorial Service
9:00 AM Monday, June 11, 2018
Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home
Cokato, Minnesota

Interment:
1:00 PM Monday, June 11, 2018
Ft. Snelling National Cemetery
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Micheal Robert Schmiesing was born on July 21, 1960 to George and Karen Rae (Knutson) Schmiesing in New Ulm, Minnesota. He served his country proudly for 12 years in the US Army during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and a stint with UN Forces in Croatia.
Michael’s greatest pride was his children: Jeramie and Chana and being grandpa to Cortni, Alyvia, Grayson and Gavin. His wife Carmen (Trossbach) of 30 years will miss him dearly. She was his sole caregiver for the last 15 years, as his disease progressed.
His mother: Karen Rae (Jim), His sisters: Shellie (Dan), Stacy (Jeff), Tiffany (Brian), Tracy Jo (Doug) and Brothers: Travis (Brandi) and Tony (Kathy), will miss “The Leader of the Pack”, solider, mentor, listener, jokester, companion, and teacher that he was.
He was a loving and devoted uncle to: Joshua (Ali), Karen Rebecca ( Mori ), Tony (Kate), Thomas, Cassie, Claire, Disa, Dayna, Triston, Tate, Colton, Taylor, Braydon, Dakota, Harrison. And great uncle to: William, MaryClare, Evelyn and Annabelle. Also Step Mom Kerry (Jim H) and His extended families in Both the USA and Germany And Best friend Mike Hinde.

On May 29, 2018 with Mom, Jim and “The girls” by his side he was reunited with his son Jeramie, grandparents Robert and Hazel (Thompson) Knutson, Al Steinberg, Floyd and Nina (Sorheim) Schmiesing. Aunt Patricia (Knutson) Petersen, Uncles: Morris Petersen, Chad Knutson, Jon, Timothy and Marcus Schmiesing. Step dad Jack H. and Father George. Friends Joe, Jimmy, and Sam.

Hugo, Gwendolyn Joanne
age 85, of Monticello passed away on May 25, 2018 in Osseo, MN. Gwen was born April 28, 1933 in Lu Verne, Iowa to Wilfred and Agnes (Bonin) Jones.
Survived by her son, Jeff (Sharon) Hugo, grandchildren, Nick (Nicole Snyder) Hugo, Josh Hugo, Calvin Hugo, Emily Heid, and Ryan Heid.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lowell, children, Jerry Hugo, Joni Hugo, and Jeni Heid. Along with brothers, Larry and Jim Jones.
A graveside service will take place at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Cokato. In lieu of flowers, donations to charities are preferred. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, http://www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-286-2534

Dale William Nelson, Age 85, passed away on February 11, 2018 at Catholic Elder Care in Minneapolis. He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Rodney, and a sister Marlys. Known as Billy by his family he is survived by a sister Linda and a brother Dennis (Nancy), along with nieces, nephews and friends. Billy served in the Army and worked on farms in the Cokato area before moving to Minneapolis. There will be a graveside memorial 11AM on June 2, 2018, at Sunset Cemetery. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Karen Marie Duraine age 79 passed away peacefully in her home on Mother’s day May 13th, 2018 with family by her side. She was the wife of Robert Duraine and they shared 40 years of marriage together. They own a beautiful home in McGregor, MN.
Karen Marie Cochran was born in Stockholm Township in Howard Lake, MN. She was the daughter of Roy and Amelia Cochran and had 8 brothers and sisters.
She was a long time resident of Howard Lake and worked for a long time at the Howard Lake Herald newspaper. She was a member of the Wright County Saddle Club. She had a love of horses and raised dogs for years. She and her husband Robert have been enjoying retirement for many years. They both enjoyed traveling, playing cards, cribbage, and watching baseball and football. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and every Sunday did one over the phone with her daughter- Jessica.
She was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran church in McGregor for many years, was baptized, and grew up in the St James Lutheran church in Howard Lake. She was an active Visiting Angel through her church for many years and helped many people in their homes to stay in their homes. She will be remembered most for her wonderful smile and laughter and her generous loving spirit for everyone she met. In addition, her lifetime of teachings and wisdom she so freely shared.

She is survived by her husband Robert Duraine and 3 Daughters Connie Norman and Fiancée- Kenneth Larson, Jessica Salonek and husband- Patrick Salonek and Susan Kalinowski and husband Bill Kalinowski and one brother- Ronnie Cochran and his wife Arlene. Robs sister- Juanita Peuse and Rob’s brothers- Lloyd Duraine, Donald, his wife- Chyerl Duraine, also Roberts Children- Sons- Robert Jr and his wife- Michelle, Clinton, and one daughter Deborah Duraine. She has 10 Grandchildren- Josh and Cori Koch Adam and Beth Koch, Jennifer and Chad Remer, Stephanie and Nick Ward, Angela and Jess Tormanen, Patrick and Laura Salonek, Andy and Leah Salonek, Ryan Kalinowski, Jeff and Emily Kalinowski, Rachel and Justin Fread and 15 great-grandchildren. Karen is pre-deceased by her son- Kim Schrupp and her parents – Roy and Amelia Cochran and 7 brothers and sisters.
The funeral Service will be held on Friday May 18th at 2pm at St James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, MN. There will be a visitation for an hour prior to her service.
Memorial donations/in lieu of flowers may be made to the Visiting Angels or a charity of your choice.