Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Dennis Joe Samuelson passed away at the Dassel Lakeside Nursing Home on September 30th, 2025 following multiple medical complications after a recent surgery and hospitalizations.
He was born on November 20th, 1957 to Raymond and Norma Samuelson in Wadena MN. He grew up on a farm in Sebeka, and then the family moved to West Concord MN for a short time and then settled in Cokato, MN.
He graduated from Dassel Cokato High School in 1976. He enjoyed many vacations / road trips with his Christian friends as a young adult. He worked detailing vehicles at Holt Motors for 25 years before retiring in 2007 due to ongoing health issues.
He was united in marriage to Linda Harju on June 29th, 2002. They resided in Cokato. Dennis worked hard at home doing everything he could to help out with whatever needed to be done. He worked hard to take care of the yard with lots of flowers and gardening. He enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels, fishing, cleaning, baking, and everything possible that he could do to take care of things. He also enjoyed relaxing at home, and spending time with his family and beloved pets. He was known for wanting to help out in any way he could with the friends and neighbors around him.
He was a lifelong member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church, and his Christian faith was a source of strength and comfort throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents Norma and Ray, and a brother Stephen.
He is survived by his wife Linda Samuelson of Cokato, children Derrek (Amanda) Harju and their children Ryker, Rhett and Rexton of Saint Peter, Jaden Samuelson of Cokato, brothers Michael of Edina, David (Suzie) of Williston ND, Jerry (Cecilia) of Cokato, and a sister Cindy (Melvin) Nowak of Deer River. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family, and many dear Christian friends and neighbors.
Funeral Service will be held on October 6th, 2025 at 11:00 am at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Dassel, Minnesota with visitation at 10:00 am. Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Paul Seiffert, who left us on September 26th, 2025, in his home of Waverly, MN, at the age of 81. Paul was a cherished husband, father, grandpa, brother, cousin and friend. He was known for his generosity, hard work, selflessness, and his constant willingness to help others.
Born on August 17, 1944, in Grand Rapids, MN, Paul lived a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication to family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kay Seiffert, his children Debra-Ann McAlpine (Darren) and Brenda-Ann DeVries (John), nine grandchildren, seven great-grandsons, his brother Wayne Seiffert (Shirley), and his sister Darlene Krussow, many nieces and nephews. They will forever cherish the memories shared and lessons learned from him. Paul was preceded in death by his son Sonny Scott, his parents Herbert and Esther Seiffert, his stepmother Elizabeth (Libby) Seiffert, and his sister Betty Bird.
For 56 years, Paul dedicated himself to his career as a driver for Wheaton Van Lines. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family. His commitment and work ethic were well known and respected by all who worked with him.
Beyond his professional life, Paul was deeply passionate about the outdoors. He found joy in activities such as hunting, golfing, fishing, and splitting wood. Paul also thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and, most importantly, spending time with his loved ones. He was often found tinkering in his garage of “never to be thrown aways, because you might need it someday”. No matter what the setting, he had a remarkable ability to bring happiness by creating relationships and warmth by listening encouragingly to those in every room he entered.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Paul’s life at a memorial service on October 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM, to be held at Maple Plain Community Church, 1815 Budd Ave North, Maple Plain, MN 55359.
Paul’s legacy of love, sacrifice, compassion, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace, until we see him again in heaven.

Scott Hodges, 60 of Cokato, Mn. Passed away at home on September 12 2025.

Born on December 24th 1964, in Glendale, Arizona to Dempsey & Patricia Hodges.

Scotty was best known for his protective & fearless nature. His love of family, shenanigans & ALL things water, especially fishing! His infectious laugh & humor will be greatly missed.

Scotty was preceded in death by his parents, Dempsey & Patrica Hodges.

He is survived by his wife Lori, his two children, Melissa/Shawn & Michael/Liz, grandson Logan Nash/Teagan, great grandchildren Jaxton & Josephine, his sister Raylinda/Tonya, his brother Bryan/Clint, his nephew & nieces, David, Patty & Kathy.

“Love you, bye”

Per his request, there will be no service. Cremation services provided by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Bonnie Lou Seegmiller, 92, of Howard Lake passed away peacefully on September 2 , 2025 at GlenFields Living with Care, Glencoe. Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home, Howard Lake. Visitation will be held at 10 am, the service at 11 am followed with a reception at 12:30 pm in the American Legion in Howard Lake.
Bonnie was born on September 9, 1932, the same day as her Mother’s birthday, in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Louise Gertrude Hender (Thompson) and Roger William Hender. She attended schools in Wyoming and Colorado.
At 16, Bonnie sang in a Denver music store for customers who requested sheet music to be played by a pianist and singer. Her repertoire included gospel, blues, jazz, and the current songs at the time.
She graduated early from East High School in 1950 and began classes at the University of Denver. One class Bonnie enjoyed was Radio Broadcasting. Her voice and writing were worthy of earning an “A” but her male professor told her he wouldn’t give her the deserved grade because she was a woman.
Bonnie worked in a variety of capacities in Denver. She was a sales woman and cashier at Kresge’s Department Store, Walgreen’s, and Woolworth’s. Later she would work two jobs to help her mother financially who had heart disease. At one time she worked for a tailor during the day and hostess at a Chinese restaurant in the evening.
Bonnie was a member and sang in the choir at Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver and would marry her husband, William “Bill” Matt Seegmiller in the Chapel. She was working for Wesco Fabrics in sales and designing when she and Bill decided to begin the next chapter of their lives and move to Minnesota. They first resided in St. Louis Park and then Bill’s job as an engineer brought them to Howard Lake. During this time, Bonnie was a homemaker and worked at Tonka Toys Inc. in Mound while enjoying ceramic classes and joined the Women’s Bowling League in Howard Lake.
Bonnie became a devoted member and joined the choir at Walker United Methodist Church in Howard Lake. Her wealth of knowledge in music led her to soon become the choir director. She then joined the Sweet Adelines and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with the group in competitions.
One of many accomplishments for Bonnie was celebrating 50 years at Braham-Gilmer Monument Works, formerly Gilmer Monument Works. She began as a secretary to Gerry Gilmer and Jay Gilmer, the founders son’s. Her vast knowledge, compassion, and intuitiveness in sales and marketing would lead her to become Sales Manager. When Braham bought out Gilmer’s, Bonnie continued in her position and worked independently with the sales team in Braham, Minnesota.
In 1993, Bonnie was asked to sing for a special Mother’s Day edition on her daughter Kathryn’s radio program. She sang the song, M-O-T-H-E-R (A Word That Means the World To Me). She and her daughter won a Public Broadcasting award for the program.
Bonnie held various board positions with Sweet Adelines, Walker United Methodist Church, Howard Lake Business Association, and Good Neighbor Days Committee. She was also a member of the Howard Lake Library, the WOW group, and St. Mary’s Choir.
In 2000, Bonnie was recognized as Honorary Commodore for her dedication as Co-Chair of Good Neighbor Days. She would continue to receive various honors throughout her life.
Bonnie loved to sing, dance, attend the theater, concerts, and movies, read mysteries, enjoy life every day, and always stayed positive and optimistic. She was a good friend and great mentor to many young women especially to her daughters, Kathryn and Valerie and loved her grandchildren deeply.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents Louise Gertrude Cline, Roger William Hender, and husband, William Matt Seegmiller. She is survived by her daughters, Kathryn McCormick (Tim), Valerie Olson (Chris), grandchildren Jason Shaddox, Michael Veaderko (Liz), Noelle Veaderko (Brad Pachnik), David Thacker (Wendy), step great grandson, Jeremy, great granddaughter, Madelyn and many dear friends.
The family would like to recognize GlenFields Living with Care, Glencoe: Ridgeview Wound Care, Waconia; and Ridgeview Home Healthcare, Waconia for their care, compassion, and respect for Bonnie.

Kay Michael “Sonny” McCalla, age 85, of Howard Lake, Minnesota, passed away on September 2, 2025.
He was born January 11, 1940, in Middleville Township, Minnesota, to Louis Henry and Martha Julia
(Lehtola) McCalla. He grew up in rural Howard Lake alongside his siblings Patricia, Ada, Joan, and David
and attended high school in Howard Lake. On January 5, 1962, Kay was united in marriage to Elvira
Constance (Barlau) McCalla. Together they raised five children—Leah Lynn, Jacob, Bethany, Angela, and
Sunnie Grace—on their family farm northwest of Howard Lake. He was a proud grandfather to Courtnie,
Jasamyne, Jaibyne, and Samaya, and great-grandfather to Orion, Silas, Haaken, Kadence, Emilayne,
Mavis, and Cormick. Kay was baptized on May 18, 1941, and later confirmed in faith at Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Cokato, Minnesota. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He
was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Martha McCalla. He will be remembered with love for his
kindness toward family, his steady presence, and the many lives he touched. Services will be held
Saturday, September 6, at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, Minnesota, with visitation at
1:00 pm and a funeral service at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in
Annandale, Minnesota, with a light luncheon afterward at the church.