Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

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

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