Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Michael Reynold Granquist, age 68 died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on December 5th, 2016. Mike was born to Reynold and Minnie (Simonson) Granquist on July 6th, 1948 in Litchfield, MN. He was raised on the family farm north of Cokato near Happy Corner. He attended school at Happy Corner until the 8th grade and graduated from Cokato High School in 1966. After graduation, he pursued a career in the Army National Guard. Mike was very proud to serve his country and retired after 28 years.
In 1975, Mike started a career in real estate working for United Farm Agency and later for Swartz Brothers. In 1982, he joined Bradley Real Estate, and eventually became part owner.
In 1970, Mike was united in marriage to Christine Edwards and they had two daughters, Denise Granquist of LaFeria, TX and Aimee (Granquist) Burgstaler of Delano, MN. On November 26th, 1986 he was united in marriage to Lynn (Rausch) Flickinger and acquired two more daughters, Tammy (Flickinger) Mattson of Carbondale, CO and Lisa (Flickinger) Anderson of Ham Lake, MN. They made their home on the family farm for the last 30 years, which he actively farmed until the last few years. He enjoyed farming, hunting, playing horseshoes, where he won many trophies and championships. He also really enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He became a French Lake Township supervisor in September, 1993 and since March, 1994 has been the Chairman of the Board. He was also an active member of the Kingston Legion, Post 483.
Gratefully sharing his life, Mike is survived by his wife, Lynn, daughters, Tammy (Scott) Mattson, Lisa (Larry) Anderson, Denise Granquist, and Aimee (Evan) Burgstaler, sisters, Elaine (Wally) MacDonald and Mae Evenski, eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Along with many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Marilyn, and infant brother, Roger.
A Celebration of his life will take place at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Cokato, with gathering of family and friends 2 hours prior to the service at Church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-286-2534

Loren Burdette Zander, age 94, of Howard Lake, passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at the Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home in Chaska, Mn.

Loren was born on August 2, 1922 in Victor Township to Frank and Alice (Streich) Zander. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. He was a life long member of the church and of the Howard Lake community.

He graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1940. He attended Hamline University for one year, adding more honors to his high school and college track career.

Loren enlisted in the Army Air Corp, receiving his commission and wings in December of 1942. He was a B29 pilot, serving in the Pacific Theatre, flying 38 missions. Loren was later recalled in the Korean War, serving at Travis Air Force Base.

Loren married Lorraine Gutzke on Nov. 28, 1945 at the Buffalo Courthouse. The couple made their home farming in rural Howard Lake. Loren was also the Route 2 mail carrier for 30 years.

Loren and Lorraine enjoyed camping, golfing, dancing, traveling, and playing cards. They raised 6 children together. After retiring from the mail route, they spent the winter months in Texas. Lorraine passed away on June 25, 1998.

Loren married Mary Hobbs of Missouri on May 20, 2000 in Howard Lake. Loren and Mary also enjoyed their winters in Texas and summers in Howard Lake. They kept busy dancing, playing cards, traveling, playing pool in the Valley League and just being with each other.

Loren is preceded in death by parents Frank and Alice Zander, sister Lois, brother Gerald, and wife Lorraine. He is survived by his wife Mary, children Thomas (Lorrie) Zander, Richard (Connie) Zander, Mary Jo (Rob) Painschab, Jed (Tami) Zander, Jane (John) Kothrade, John (Shari) Zander, Mary sons, Carl Hobbs, Bob Hobbs, Jerry Hobbs, Don Hobbs, 23 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and many other friends and relatives.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 4-8 PM with 7 PM prayer at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, and continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church. www.swansonpeterson.com 320-543-3401

Timmy Bell passed away at his home in Dassel, Minnesota on December 2, 2016.  There will be a memorial service at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Albion Evangelical Free Church, North of Cokato.

Mellin, Willis Elmer
age 95, of Buffalo, formerly of Howard Lake and South Haven, passed away on November 27, 2016 at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Buffalo. He was born April 12, 1921 in Howard Lake, MN to Arthur and Ellen (Anders) Mellin. He graduated from Howard Lake High School.
After high school, Willis farmed north of Howard Lake, until he retired and moved to South Haven. While there, he attended Zion Methodist Church. He later became a member at Buffalo United Methodist Church.
Willis enjoyed farming, tractors, and Bible study.
Willis is preceded in death by his parents, brother Melvin, and sister, Edith Swanbeck.
A celebration of life will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 9, 2016 at the Cottagewood Senior Communities (201 1st St NE, Buffalo, MN 55313). Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake, Minnesota 320-543-3401, www.swansonpeterson.com

Audrey Jean (Allen) Sawatzke-Balgaard of Howard Lake, Passed away at the Ridgeview Hospital of Waconia on 11/24/2016.
Funeral Service: 11 AM Tuesday, 11/29/2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Howard Lake, MN
Visitation: 4-8 PM Monday at Church, and 1 hr prior to service on Tuesday
Interment: St. Mary’s Cemetery of Waverly