Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

June Lucille (Clausen) Shuneson passed away at the Cokato Manor on October 23, 2020. She was born June 15, 1926 in Hines, Minnesota to Axel and Myrtle (Johnson) Clausen. She attended Hines school through eighth grade and Blackduck High School, graduating in 1943. She was married to Henry Shuneson on September 8, 1945 at First Lutheran Church in Hines, MN. They farmed for three years in Smith Lake before moving back to Hank’s home place, “Shuneson Corner” to continue farming many years. God blessed them with three children, Gary, Darlene, and Kathy.

She enjoyed caring for her children, keeping house, cleaning, cooking, baking and entertaining. She also loved to read, especially poetry, and wrote many poems. June worked cleaning houses and at the corn factory. She was a member of Albion Free Church and was involved there for more than 60 years, teaching Sunday school, VBS, serving as Church Secretary, Women’s ministries, cleaning the church and developing many long-time friendships. June enjoyed going to garage sales, playing games (especially Scrabble), and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Henry and June moved to Cokato in 1981. There they spent their retirement years until Henry passed away on January 25, 2007. A few years later June moved to the Cokato Apartments, then to Brookridge Assisted Living, and eventually to Cokato Manor.

June is survived by her children, Gary (Judy) Shuneson, of Cokato, Darlene (Daniel) Wuotila, of Dassel, and Kathy (David) Hoyhtya, of Cokato, her grandchildren, Stacy (Douglas) Keller, of St. Michael, Stephanie (Tito) Mercado, of Arden Hills, David (Jenny) Wuotila, of Eyota, Duane (Wendy) Wuotila, of Litchfield, Crystal (Bjorn) Bakke, of Benson, Luke Hoyhtya, of Owasso, OK, and Denise (Brian) Martin, of Dassel, her great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Amanda, Cody, Chase, Zachary, Nathan, Maya, Emma, Mason, Erica, Julia, Kylan, Aunnalise, Isabelle, Ethan, and Natalia, a sister, Lyda Cocking, of Staples, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Clausen, of Shakopee and June Clausen, of Stephen, MN, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, parents, Axel and Myrtle (Johnson) Clausen, brothers, Carl, Lester, Leland (Normandy Beach during WW II-1944), Walter and Clifford, and a sister, Arlys.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at the Albion Evangelical Free Church (11480 5th St NW, Cokato, MN 55321) with visitation one hour prior to the service at church. A time of gathering will be held from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato, MN www.swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534

Oscar Herman Majava, age 92, of rural Cokato, MN, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Cokato Manor.

A memorial service will take place Saturday October 24, at 11 a.m. at the Albion Evangelical Free Church.

Oscar was born September 19, 1928, in Cokato Township to Edward and Mary (Kuha) Majava.
After schooling, Oscar began working for local farmers before serving in the United States Army stateside during the Korean War. While serving he spent time in Texas and traveled the West Coast. Upon completing his service he returned home to the farm. He led a simple life, loved animals, and knew the value of hard work, family, and friends. He enjoyed cheering on the Green Bay Packers, keeping an active lifestyle, and conversing and sharing stories with friends. Oscar was ready with coffee, lemonade, and cookies for visitors who dropped in and was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends.
Oscar loved to have fun and watch kids grow. For several years he dressed as Santa Claus, and on Halloween all the neighborhood kids knew to stop there for a dollar and a treat. Oscar was patient with greenhorns trying to help work on the farm and always found opportunities to make work fun.
Oscar was a proud member of the American Legion Post 209 for over 50 years. He carried the American flag during the National Anthem at DC football games, marched with the Legion in many Corn Carnival parades, and honored fellow veterans with a military gun salute. Oscar was a soldier, farmer, and friend to all.
Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Majava, and his brothers Clarence, Pete, and George. Oscar is survived by his brother, Eino Majava, nieces and nephews, and many relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com

Dennis Ernest Schroeder was born April 29, 1943 to Ernest and Erna (Plath) Schroeder in Hutchinson, MN. He was baptised on May 30, 1943 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Lynn Township and confirmed on April 14, 1957 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Buffalo Lake. He graduated from Buffalo Lake in 1961 and received his undergraduate degree from Mankato State University in 1965. He later received a Master’s in Education from St. Cloud State University.

On July 17, 1965, Dennis was united in marriage to Louise Nelson at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Buffalo Lake. Their marriage was blessed with a daughter Denise and son Kyle.

Dennis and Louise moved to Elmore, MN in 1965 where Dennis was a high school Business, German, and Driver’s Education teacher for two years. In 1967, they moved to Hutchinson, MN where Dennis was employed at Ridgewater College as a Secretarial and Clerical skills teacher until his retirement in 1999. During his teaching career at the college, he also worked with curriculum development and as the Tech Prep Coordinator. He also found time to co-author a typing tutorial software as an independent contractor.

Dennis enjoyed camping, traveling, playing cards and games with his wife, family and friends. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren grow. He was extremely proud of his daughter and son following him into the education profession. He was a very active member of Christ the King Church and participated with the church council, choir, usher, serving school lunches, and Saturday free meals. Dennis was also involved in the community as an election judge and caucus convener.

Dennis was a Life Member of Hutchinson Elks Lodge #2427 and took great pride in his work. He was a Past Exalted Rule, District Deputy, secretary (40 years), State Secretary (16 years), State Elk of the Year, and Hutchinson Elk of the Year. He participated in countless volunteer activities while a member of the Elks such as Bingo, Youth Camp, Taco Stand, Hoop Shoot, Conventions, Gun Show and the list goes on and on.

Dennis passed away on September 28, 2020 (on his late mother’s 100th birthday) while in hospice care at Harmony River.

Dennis is survived by his wife Louise, two children: daughter Denise and her husband Monte Einck, Kyle and his wife Laurie. Grandchildren Allison (fiancé Carl Fils-Aime), Makenna, and Maxten Einck. Eleanor, Andrew, and Julia Schroeder. Brothers: Darrel and Vicki Schroeder, Delwin and Sue Schroeder and several nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Ernie and Erna Schroeder and in-laws Walter and Mildred Nelson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with visitation 2 hours prior to services at the church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, www.swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534

Gerald (Jerry) Theron VanBenschoten was born in Springfield, New York to Theron and Doris (Seymour) VanBenschoten on January 27, 1948. He grew up in Richfield Springs, New York and graduated high school there.
After high school Jerry went to Florida where he worked driving pilings on the Seven Mile Bridge that leads to Key West. He also chartered scuba diving boats while in Florida.
On August 8, 1974 Jerry married Patricia Ellefson; the couple left Florida and moved to New Germany, Minnesota and later to Howard Lake. Jerry owned his own janitorial business for 15 years. When he was no longer able to do his janitorial work he enjoyed customer service and courier roles before retiring.
Jerry had many hobbies: golfing, bowling, shooting and woodworking. He was an active member of his church, Living Waters Christian Fellowship.
Jerry passed away unexpectedly on September 23, 2020 at the Buffalo Hospital Emergency Room.
He is survived by his wife Patricia of Howard Lake, Daughter Sara (William) Selvidge and their children Nora and Jasper of St. Michael. Also, his sisters Beverly (David) Wilson of Richfield Springs, New York, and Betty Graham of Debary, Florida.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents: Theron and Doris and sister Joan.
Memorial Service: 11 AM Saturday, October 3, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Waverly.
Following the service all are invited to a Covid safe box lunch at the residance

Darren Lee Johnson age 56 of Rockford, passed away unexpectedly September 1st, 2020. Proceeded in death by his parents Charles and Bonnie Johnson. Survived by brothers, Jerod, Mark (Betty), Randy (Michele) along with aunts Grace Nelson and Adele Mumford as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Darren was born February 25, 1964 in Litchfield MN. He worked 27 years for the USDA as an inspector which had him living in Cherry Hill NJ, Austin MN, Oakland California and ultimately returning to Minnesota to finish his career in the Mankato district. Darren had recently decided to retire fully and start traveling the world. He had trips planned to New Jersey, Texas and California intending to reconnect with friends made during his many years of living outside of Minnesota. He also had a Caribbean Cruise planned showing little regard for the world of Covid! He had an infectious laugh and a sharp wit that will be dearly missed by those who had the pleasure. Darren will be interned with his parents in a private service at the Cokato Baptist Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at Cokato Baptist Church, Sunday October 4th from 1:30-4:00. Masks and social distancing will be required by all those in attendance. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to MN Teen Challenge in Darren’s name