Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Anthony “Tony “ Welch
age 50 of Howard Lake and Maple Plain.
Tony passed away at home on 1/16/21,
After a valiant 18 month fight against
Colorectal cancer. Tony graduated from
Orono H.S. in 1988. Co-owner and operator
Of WW Auto (H.L.). Injection moulding operator
For American Custom Rotomoulding, Maple
Plain. He is survived by his Wife Suzanne (Cochran),
parents Alvin & Colette, Sister Nathalie (David )
Leifermann, God son & Nephew Daniel (Jessica)
Nephews Matthew & Steven Leifermann.
Numerous family and friends.
A warm weather, outdoor celebration of life
Will be held at a later date.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Blumenreich &
Staff, Allina Hospice for their compassion and
Care. Funeral arrangements by Swanson Peterson
Funeral Home, Howard Lake, Mn.
Memorials Preferred.

Valerie Jean Barragan, age 84, of Billings Mt passed away at the Cokato Nursing Home in Cokato MN.

Jean was born in Billings, MT on May 30, 1936 daughter of Howard and Patricia Cook (Lofstrom). She attended schools and Graduated from Absorkee High School. She settled in Billings MT until moving to Dassel, MN to spend her final years.

Jean enjoyed crocheting, crafting, reading, laughing and time spent with her family and friends.

Jean is survived by her children Karen (Dave) Scherer of Elk River, MN; Douglas (Ruthie) of Hopkins, MN; David (Vicky) Sager of Dassel, MN; Gloria (Tim) Mckay of Billings MT; Grandchildren: Dylan and Derek Scherer, Adam Michl, Nicholas and Marshall Sager and Kaycee McKay; Great Grandchildren: Aubrianna, Jocelyn, Bree, Lydia and Elijah; Brothers: Gerald Cook St. George Utah and Larry Cook Bismarck ND. She was preceded in death by her parents and dearly loved brother Chester (Buck) Cook.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, Minnesota www.swasnonpeterson.com 320-286-2534

Diers, Glenn Melvin 86, of Howard Lake passed away at Mercy Hospital of Coon Rapids on January 5, 2020.
Funeral Service: 11 AM Friday January 15, 2021 at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake.
Visitation: 4-8 PM Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the Church.
Interment: Howard Lake Cemetery
Glenn Melvin Diers of Howard Lake passed away on January 5th, 2021 at age 86. Glenn was
born on February 16, 1934 on the family farm south of Howard Lake. He was baptized and
confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church. He remained a lifelong member and served as usher,
trustee and elder. Glenn attended school in Howard Lake, graduating in 1953. He went on to the
University of Minnesota where he earned an associates degree in agriculture. After college Glenn
served two years in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. Following his army
service he returned to Howard Lake to work the family farm as a 4 th generation farmer.
Glenn married June Tovson on October 29 th , 1955 at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church in Albert
Lea, MN. June passed away on February 9th, 1980. He later married Elizabeth (Betty)
Schurmann on March 5 th , 1983 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted, MN.
Glenn farmed until 1999. After that, he worked in the maintenance department at the St. Mary’s
Care Center in Winsted for 10 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, auctions,
shopping, photography, and spending time with his family.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Alice Diers, his spouses, June and Betty
and his sister-in law, Olive Tovson.
Survivors include his brother, Dale (Helen) Diers; children, Mark (Patty) Diers, Janis (Dave)
Judd, Carol (Gary) Davis, and Dean (Michele) Diers; grandchildren, Jeff (Leisha) Diers, Keith
(Bridgett) Diers, Andy (Elizabeth) Judd, Beth (Dusty) Smith, Daryl (Holly) Davis, Dylan (Trish)
Davis, Amanda (Aaron) Diers, Casey (Brennan) Walz, and Ben Diers. He is also survived by
step-children, Bruce (significant other Rebecca)Schurmann, Brian (Heidi) Schurmann, and
Brenda Jean; step grandchildren, Theresa (Bob) Linder, Travis Schurmann and Kaitlyn
Schurmann; 14 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Glenn’s life was a reflection of his confirmation Bible verse, “Grow in the grace and in
knowledge of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18. He will be remembered as a kind
and gentle man with a twinkle in his eye and will be missed by many.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 14th from 4-8 pm at St. James Lutheran

Funeral Service: 2 PM Thursday, January 7, 2021 at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake
Visitation: 4-8 PM Wednesday at Church 7 PM Prayer Service
Interment: Howard Lake Cemetery

Elton Edward Gruenhagen, 86, a farmer and life-long resident of Howard Lake was called to his eternal home on January 1, 2021. Elton was born on August 3rd, 1934 to Herb and Helen (Reinmuth) Gruenhagen. Elton was reborn through baptism also on August 3rd 1934. He confirmed his faith on April 10, 1949. Elton was a graduate of Howard Lake High School, class of 1953. Elton was united in marriage to Joyce Marquette on March 29, 1958 at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake. They shared 45 years together. Elton was a life long member of St. James Lutheran Church; he enjoyed a lifetime of dairy and crop farming with his wife, children and grandchildren. When Elton was not working he could be found watching sports, Billy’s (westerns) and Family Feud. Elton will be remembered for his faith, strong work ethic and witty personality. He was fond of traveling, especially with his wife Joyce.

Elton is survived by his children: Craig (Debra) Gruenhagen of Howard Lake, Cheryl (Bill) Morris of Saginaw, Michigan, and Brian (Rena) Gruenhagen of Howard Lake. He is also survived by grand children who meant the world to him: Nathan (Heidi) Gruenhagen, Amanda (Mark) Meddaugh, Ryan (Sara) Gruenhagen, Jessica (Jordan) Moberg, Daniel Morris, Tyler (Ashlee) Gruenhagen and Gabrielle (Jake) Wurm. He is survived by his great grand children: Hailey and Blake Gruenhagen, Grace and Jake Meddaugh, Kayley, Ryley and Paisley Moberg, Adelynn Wurm and Blythe Walbon. Also surviving is Sister Erla Mae Jackson of Arizona.

Elton was preceded in death by his wife Joyce and son Wayne. He is also preceded in death by his sister Barbara and Brother Victor.

Forrest “Butch” Amundsen passed away at his home in Cokato on December 25, 2020.
There will be a “Drive by Visitation” on the South Side of Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, on January 12, 2021 From 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Forrest “Butch” Amundsen of Cokato, MN, age 77, passed away peacefully in his home on December 25, 2020. He was born August 2, 1943 to Bjarne and Helen Amundsen. He married Carol Kerber on October 12, 1968. Butch established the Norseman restaurant in Cokato in 1971 which he ran for many years and became an integral part of the community. In semi-retirement he also worked for Clinic Cab and Village Ranch. He truly enjoyed his time with his customers, clients, and co-workers. Butch dedicated many hours and years of service to Cokato and the surrounding communities. His contributions include but are not limited to establishing the D-C youth hockey program, volunteering many hours at the Corn Carnival, and community theater groups. He served as mayor for 9 years and on city council for 19 years. He was named 2020 citizen of the year for his countless years of service. He was also a major contributor to the Winstock festival for many years. Butch was a devoted father to his 3 children and a loving papa to his 8 grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Goodie (Peter) Schmitz; brother Tim Amundsen; son Darren (Rachel) Amundsen; daughter Michelle Pariseau; and son Jeff (Niki) Amundsen. Butch was preceded in death by his wife Carol of 52 years just a month earlier; and his brother Tom (Michele) Amundsen. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to FungusAmongus Players.