Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Clarence Salmela of Silver Lake, Passed away at home on May 30, 2016.
an evening of visitation will be 4-8 PM Monday June 6, 2016 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato
Prayer Service at 7:00 PM
Interment will be at FT. Snelling National Cemetery on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 1:00 PM

Clarence “Kelly” Donald Salmela was born in Cokato, Minnesota on May 28, 1949, to Richard and Fannie (Wanha) Salmela. He grew up in Cokato and was Baptized and Confirmed at the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church North of town. In 1967 he graduated from Cokato High School.

On March 27, 1969 Clarence joined the US Army. After Basic training at Ft. Bragg, NC he served with the 1st Air Cavalry Division, 8th Cavalry, and served for 14 months in Vietnam as a combat medic. He received the Bronze Star with “V” for heroism, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Battle Stars, Vietnam Campaign medal, Presidential unit Citation, meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Combat medic Badge, 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile Vietnam combat Certificate, Certificate of appreciation from President Nixon, Certificate of appreciation from General Westmoreland.

After service Clarence came back to Cokato where he tended bar at the Troll Inn until becoming the Maintenance Supervisor at HTI in Hutchinson. He married Marilyn Rozeske, to this union 2 children; Melissa and Chad were born. The family lived in rural Silver Lake. Clarence retired in the late 90’s. Clarence enjoyed fishing, watching western movies, tractor pulls and taking drives.

Clarence passed away at home in Silver Lake on May 30, 2016, he had reached the age of 67 years and 2 days.

Survivors include: special friend Gloriann Bastin of Silver Lake, Daughter Melissa (Joseph) Barsness of Lakeville, MN, Son: Chad (Sarah) Salmela of St. Cloud their son Peyton and one on the way Sophia. Sisters; Margaret “Muggs” (Leonard) Kieser of Winsted, Verna Quale of Buffalo, and brother Clifford (Bertha) Salmela of Reno, Nevada. Nieces and nephews other relatives and many friends.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Fannie, Brother Jim, Grandson Caleb, Brother-in-law Dennis Quale, Sister-in-law Darlene and Niece Penny.

Gary McKay passed away at his home in Cokato on May 26, 2016. Gary was 66 years old. He graduated from Cokato Public School where he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. He also played for the Dassel-Cokato Saints baseball team for many years.

Gary was an avid sports fan. He loved to play golf as well as his guitar. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Gary is survived by his mother Fern, sister Vicki and brother Barry.

At his request, there will not be a funeral or memorial service.

Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com

Wesley “Wes” Robertson, passed away at home in Cokato on 5/20/2016.
Funeral Service: 11 AM Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Stockholm Lutheran Church, South of Cokato
Visitation: 1hr prior to service at the church
Interment: Church Cemetery.

Boll, Timothy Myron
The beloved son of Myron and Cleo Boll of Howard Lake passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep at their home in the early morning hours on Sat., May 14, 2016, and into the arms of Jesus. He was found with his open Bible at his side.

Gene Birkholz of Howard Lake, passed away at Good Samaritan Center on 5/11/2016.
Funeral Service: 1 PM Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at St. Johns Lutheran Church of Howard Lake
Visitation: 4-8 PM Monday at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake, and 1hr prior to service at church on Tuesday
Prayer Service: 7:30 PM Monday at the Funeral Home
Interment St. Paul’s Cemetery of Lester Prairie.

Gene David Birkholz, age 68, of Howard Lake, MN, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at The Good Samaritan Society of Howard Lake.
Gene was born on November 10,1947 at home in Lester Prairie during an early winter snowstorm to Herman and Esther Birkholz. Gene was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Lester Prairie and graduated from Lester Prairie high School in 1965.
After graduation Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany where he attained the rank of SP5 and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.
Gene had many occupations. From mechanic, to inside sales, to bookkeeping, but his most rewarding occupation was as a van driver for HLWW School where he transported his special students with kindness and compassion.
Gene loved all sports. He was a four sport athlete in high school playing football, basketball, baseball and track. He then played basketball and baseball for the US Army in Germany. After returning from the service, he played on many amateur baseball and softball teams. He was also an avid golfer and coached several softball and baseball teams, the most recent being the Winsted Wildcats. He also loved watching sports; his favorite teams being Gophers, Twins, Yankees, Vikings and Wild. Gene was a walking talking sports encyclopedia. He always wished he could have been a sports announcer but his aversion to pronouncing names correctly may have gotten him in trouble.
Gene was an active member of American Legion Post 145 where he served in various capacities.
Gene was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, sister Marjal Prehn, and niece Tricia Dammann. He is survived by: his loving wife of 17 years Teri Doering. Children; Terrese (Chad) Norman, Rebecca Birkholz, Tammy (Wayne) Thompson, Jessica (Joe) Keating, and Josh Doering. Grandchildren: Jessica (Karl), Jordan, Joscelyn, DeJuan, Courtney, Mason, Olivia, Ivy, Arianna, and Noah. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Betty (Lowell) Wolff, Gordon (Doreen) Birkholz, Doris (Chester) Dammann, Joyce (Larry) Heuer, Robert (Nancy) Birkholz and brother-in-law Glenn Prehn, as well as many nieces and nephews and friends.