Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Rita Joyce (Hartkopf) Gruenhagen was born March 11, 1945 to Marvin and Mary Blanche (Aubart) Hartkopf in Minneapolis, MN. Rita graduated from Eden Valley High School class of 1964.
On June 5, 1970 Rita was united in marriage to Gary Gruenhagen of Howard Lake by Pastor Gerhard C. Michael at St. James Lutheran Church this marriage was blessed with four daughters Deborah, Delight, DeeAnn, and Donna. Rita and Gary lived on the family farm north of Howard Lake and shared 46 years of marriage.
Rita enjoyed a variety of things including music, dancing, cross stich, crochet, needle work, watching wrestling, playing Bingo, playing cards with family and most recently with her friends at the senior center. Rita also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
On October 24, 2016 Rita was admitted to the hospital for complications due to pneumonia. On November 13, 2016 Rita passed away at Abbott Northwestern hospital at the age of 71 years 8 months and 2 days. Blessed be her memory.
Rita is survived by her spouse Gary Gruenhagen of Howard Lake, daughters Deborah Gruenhagen and friend Marty of Lester Prairie, Delight (Teak) Wood of Howard Lake, DeeAnn (Roger) Hartsuiker of Hutchinson, Donna (Mike) Carlson of Montrose. Grandchildren Thomas Reardon of Montrose, Ashley and Caitlin Hartsuiker of Hutchinson, Danielle Wood of Howard Lake. Her siblings Alan, Marlys, Gennie, and Larry, Sister-in law Corene Oestreich of Howard Lake. Nephews Daniel (Teresa) Oestreich of Howard Lake, Donald (Tammy) Oestreich of Howard Lake, Niece Dellarae (Brad) Brabec of Watertown, and a host of other family and friends.
Rita is preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Mary Blanche Hartkopf, father and mother-in law Fredrick and Florence Gruenhagen and Brother-in law Dennis Oestreich.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 18, 2016 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service at church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-543-3401

Sandra Rasmussen passed away at Abbott North Western Hospital of Minneapolis on October 29, 2016.
Memorial Service: 2:00 PM Saturday, November 12, 2016 at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake
Visitation will begin 1hr prior to service.
Sandra Jean Rasmussen was born July 23, 1947 in Cokato, Minnesota the daughter of Walter and Hattie (Wackler) Helinske. A lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake she was baptized on September 7, 1947 by Reverend Theo. Melinat and confirmed in her faith on March 26, 1961 by Reverend Gerhard C. Michael.
On August 15, 1964, she was married to Gerald (Jerry) Rasmussen at St. James Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with a son Todd and daughter Bonnie.
For over thirty years, Sandy was employed by the Carlson/Gage Lettershop and for the last ten years at Sinclair both in Howard Lake.
Growing flowers and gardening were activities she enjoyed but spending time with family and friends was most important to her. She always had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
It was on October 29, 2016 that Sandy was called to her eternal rest having reached the age of 69 years, 3 months and 6 days.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; brothers Norman (Marian) Helinske, Donald (Carol) Helinske and special family friend Jim Murphy.
Sandy is survived by her husband Jerry; children Todd (Julie) and Bonnie; grandchildren Tory (Sandi), Nick (Amanda), Mike (girlfriend Molly), Aaron, Jesse and Raven; great-grandchildren Jayden and Anastasia; brother Clayton (Margie) Helinske; daughters-in-law Jody Rasmussen and Lisa Rasmussen; many relatives and friends.
Honorary urn bearers are Tory Rasmussen, Nick Rasmussen, Michael Rasmussen, Aaron Rasmussen and Jesse Morgan.
Officiating at the celebration of her life is Reverend Mark Loder with Nancy Butterfass serving as organist. Interment will be on a later date at the St. James Cemetery on Dutch Lake.

Robert David Clark, age 77, of Litchfield, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 24, 2016.
A service will take place Friday, October 28, 2016 at 3 pm at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Bob was born November 19, 1938 in Conway Springs, KS to Clyde and Beth Clark. He was raised on a farm East of Conway Springs. Bob graduated from Conway Springs High School in 1956 and went on to get his teaching degree at Emporia State University. After College Bob taught for a while before moving on to another trade. Bob met Rosetta Gosser and they were united in marriage on November 15, 1958 and celebrated 57 years together. Robert and Rosetta started their family when they welcomed their daughter Tamara and five years later their son Greg. They then moved to Cokato, Minnesota where their son Doug was born. Bob went to work at Dura Supreme in Howard Lake as the Environmental Manager/Safety Director. Bob had a love for all sports but was a diehard Vikings fan. On game day he always would wear his Vikings t-shirt. Through the years Bob enjoyed doing some woodworking projects. He loved watching western shows and listening to country music. Bob was blessed with seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Bob is survived by his daughter Tamara (Duane) Clark-Webb, son Doug (Tracy) Clark, grandchildren Beth (Danny) Fredrickson, Joanie (Gordy) Corbett, Amie (Curt) Schmitz, Chad Webb, Triston Clark, Tate Clark, and Colton Clark. Great grandchildren Brody Corbett, Bently Corbett, and Huxley Schmitz. Sister Darlene (Dale) Harington of Lakewood, CO, brother Dan Clark of Topeka, KS, sister Linda Clark of Portland, OR, and sister Kara (Richard) Magill of Derby, KS. Bob is preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Beth Clark, wife Rosetta Clark, son Greg Clark, and brother Larry Clark.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com
Bob will be missed by many. We love you dad/grandpa/pops.
A Special Thank you from the Family of Robert Clark to Ecumen of Litchfield, CentraCare Dialysis Clinic, Meeker County Public Transit, and all those that helped care for him. Thank you!

Nancy Jean Main, passed away at home on Howard Lake on Sunday morning, October 23, 2016.
Memorial Service: 1PM Thursday, October 27, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Howard Lake.
Visitation: will begin 1 hr. Prior to service at church.
Interment: Howard Lake Cemetery

Kruzel, Jennie Leigh
age 56, of Howard Lake passed away surrounded by her loved ones on October 20, 2016. She was born September 5, 1960 in Clovis, NM to Robert and Betty (Hult) Nolby. Jennie was united in marriage to Roman “Buddy” Kruzel on July 30, 1988. They made their home in Howard Lake, MN. To this union two children were born, Colton and Leah.
Jennie enjoyed gardening, canning, arranging flowers, cooking, and spending time with her family. She worked for several years at the Howard Lake Drug Store.
Survived by her husband, Buddy, children Colton (Shauna) Kruzel, and Leah Kruzel, grandchildren, Luke Thaemert, Levi Plendl, and McKayla Kruzel, sisters, Cheri (Dudley) Johnson, Robyn (Robert) Mahlberg, Bonnie (Patrick) Perro, Jody (Kerry) Schoer, and Bobbi (Joel) Varichak, along with several other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Betty.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, MN with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow at the Howard Lake Community Center.