Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Gregory T. Gagnon, of Waverly, Minnesota, passed away on May 24, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, at the age of 76.

He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School and St. Paul Technical School. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

Greg enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, riding his motor cycle and spending time with his family. He was proceeded in death by his parents Tom and Yvonne Gagnon, and brother John.

He is survived by his brother David (Linda) Gagnon, and sisters Elaine (Steve) Bruchman, and Rose Marie (Gary) Wagner, special cousin Diane (Bob) Mahowald, 5 nephews and 4 nieces.

A Celebration of Life lunch will be held at the Waverly Knights of Columbus Hall (301 5th St N), on Tuesday, June 17 from 12:00-2:00 PM, with words of remembrance at 1:00 PM.

A private family burial, with military honors, with be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake & Cokato, Minnesota. #320-543-3401 www.swansonpeterson.com

Cora Liisa Hillukka, beloved daughter, sister, and friend, peacefully slept away as angels gently guided her to heaven on Saturday, May 24th, 2025. Though her time on earth was brief, she lived life with her whole heart.

Cora was born March 3rd, 2008 in Buffalo, Minnesota, to the late Gregory Hillukka and Jaclyn Halonen. Cora attended school within the Dassel Cokato School District until sixth grade. Starting in seventh grade, she attended various online Minnesota schools. She had planned to graduate high school with an Associate’s Degree from Ridgewater College. At the age of nine, her mother married Aaron Halonen, and Cora joyfully welcomed him as her father. Growing up, Cora couldn’t go a day without seeing her friends. Tuesday nights, haps, and special services were things she never missed. She loved traveling, and recently, fell in love with running. She flew to Arizona to complete her first half marathon in February with her dad and sister. Cora brought her bright personality with her wherever she went. Whether she was working at one of her many jobs, Dairy Queen, the Grounds, or Brookridge, Cora always left happiness and smiles to those that happened to bump into her.

Known for her radiant smile and tender spirit, Cora had a gift for caring for others—especially her mother, siblings and grandmother. Even in the quiet hours of the night, she could be found tending to the needs of the little ones, offering a calm and loving presence. She was a constant source of comfort, joy, and encouragement in her home. Faith, family, and friends were important to Cora. Whether she was helping around the house, giggling with her siblings, or engaging in a fiercely competitive board game (which she loved most when she was winning), Cora brought a contagious energy and brightness that lit up every room she entered.

Cora is survived by her parents Aaron and Jaclyn Halonen; her siblings Faye (Braden Laho), Slade, Bryer, Brynn, Kyla, Ladd, and Lund Hillukka, Mya, Kate, Levi, Ava, and Sage Halonen; grandparents Bradley and Maureen Mattila, Rauha Hillukka, John and Becky Halonen; her special friend Carter Wisuri; a large extended family; and countless friends who cherished her. She was preceded in death by her father, Gregory Hillukka and grandfather Ernest Hillukka.

There will be a reviewal Friday, May 30th, 2025 from 4:00-8:00pm with a service at 7:00pm. The funeral will be held on Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at 11:00am, at Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church, with visitation starting at 10:00am.

Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota. #320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Betty Lou Dahlen, age 94, passed away May 22, 2025.

Betty was born March 3, 1931 to Arthur & Mary Hendrickson. Betty was a graduate of Howard Lake High School in 1948. She was married to Elmer Dahlen on March 29, 1952. Together, they had 4 children. She enjoyed life as a farm wife and mother, as well as crocheting, dancing and she loved tending to her garden and flowers.

Betty is survived by daughters: Diane Dahlen, Susan (Robert) Miller and Amy (David) Studer, grandchildren: Sonja (Joshua) Olson, Alex (Erica) Dahlen, Kyle Studer and Amanda Studer as well as 4 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Elmer, daughter Judy Fisher and siblings Orville and Joyce.

Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato, MN with visitation held one hour prior.

Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota. #320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Darrin Keith Blanchette Sr.
December 22, 1966 – May 8, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Darrin Blanchette Sr., who died on May 8, 2025, at the age of 58.

Born on December 22, 1966 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Darrin was the child of Harold and Karen Blanchette. Darrin grew up in Howard Lake, Minnesota. He was confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake in 1981 and graduated from Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School in 1985. Darrin served in the US Army for 20 years and retired in 2005. During his time in the military, he was stationed throughout the United States and overseas in Korea. He deployed twice; once during Operation Desert Storm and once during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Darrin enjoyed fishing, cooking, watching WWE, and Minnesota sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings. Most importantly, Darrin loved being a father and grandfather.

Darrin is survived by his children, Daisy Ann (Joseph Hessing), Darrin Jr. (Ariel), and Lilyann Hope, grandchildren, Eloise, Bennett, and Leo, brother, Harold Jr. (LuAnn), grandma, Marie Longfors, several aunts, uncles and cousins, other cherished family and friends, and girlfriend, Geraldine.

Darrin was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Sr. and Karen, and several grandparents.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 4pm-7pm at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, MN. The funeral will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11am at St. James in Howard Lake, MN. The burial will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on a date still to be determined.

If you are looking to honor Darrin in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Stop Soldier Suicide, which is a nonprofit whose mission meant a lot to Darrin.

Arrangements handled by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota. #320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Clarice Marie Mattson, age 92, passed away on May 2, 2025. Clarice was born in Kingston, MN on February 16, 1933 to Clarence and Elvera Johnson. The family moved to Darwin a few years later. She graduated from Dassel High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Jim Mattson.

Jim and Clarice were married on June 6, 1953 and built a home together in Darwin until they moved to the home they’d been dreaming of in 1965, “Peaceful Acres” north of Dassel. Together they made it a wonderful place to grow up and share with others. Clarice was the heart of the home, filling it with love and making it a warm and welcoming place for anyone who visited. She loved decorating and entertaining; holidays often included someone who would otherwise be alone, but Clarice welcomed them in like family. She was also a dental assistant in Dassel for many years, loving her job and enjoying all the people she met and cared for there. Clarice will be remembered for her sweet smile, her encouraging words, her selfless attitude, her love and prayers for her family and love for her Savior, Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Jim. She is survived by her children Dayna (Jim) Reimers, Brian (Veronica) Mattson, Trish (Tim) Huhn, 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She is dearly loved by her family and will be missed every day.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Dassel Covenant Church with visitation 1 hour prior to services. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com