Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Darwin Eugene Lay
age 73 from Apple Valley, Mn. went to be with his Heavenly Father Thursday April 22, 2021. He was a graduate of Rapidan High School in Rapidan, Mn. Class of 1965. After serving in the United States Navy, Darwin received his “Landscaping Architect degree” from Camby Votech college. Darwin started his working career at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Eagan, MN. as their Head Groundskeeper from 1970-2002. Darwin was involved in missions trips to Argentina where he was part of building and establishing a bible college named, RIO DE LA Plate Bible Institute College.
Darwin started his own Volksmarching walking club and named it Minnesota Sneakers. A walking club that walked trails throughout Minnesota.
Darwin was a devoted Christian, beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He enjoyed camping at Lake Geneva Bible Camp and traveled the United States with his wife and friends to southern gospel quartet concerts.
Darwin was preceded in death by his father, John Lay, mother, Lillian Lay (Young), brother, David Lay and sister, Dianne Hague.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Marie Lay (Nivala), 4 children, Brian (Angi Bringen-Lay), Brad (Tiffany Townsend-Lay), Kristin Lay, Kandi (Dave Krueger), 9 grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
At home with his family by his side, Darwin went peacefully to be with Jesus his Lord and Savior on April 22, 2021.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota 320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Carolyn A. Dangers was born March 13, 1941 in Victor Township, Minnesota. The daughter of Alice (Birkholz) and Erwin “Pete” Shepperd. A lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake, Carolyn was baptized and confirmed by Pastor E.N. Seltz. After graduating from Howard Lake High School, Carolyn enrolled in nurses training in Minneapolis. On January 27, 1962 she was married to Donald “Bud” Dangers at St. James Lutheran Church by Pastor G. C. Michael.

Bud and Carolyn were blessed with 51 years of marriage and three children. They made their home on the Dangers Family Farm south of Howard Lake. She ran a tight household, she was artistic, loved music, flowers and loved to read. In Carolyn’s younger years she enjoyed being a part of the county’s home extension club. More recently, Carolyn enjoyed Bible study, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and visiting with her friends and family.

Carolyn spent the last 71/2 years at beautiful Cedar Crest in Silver Lake, Minnesota. She received tender loving care at all times. Cedar Crest is highly recommended by this family. God Bless all of the workers there. Allina Hospice also played a special part in Carolyn’s last days. We appreciate them and all they did for Mom and us.

It was on Sunday, April 11, 2021 that Carolyn was called to her eternal rest having reached the age of 80 years, 29 days. Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband Donald “Bud” Dangers, her parents Erwin and Alice (Birkholz) Shepperd, brother Ralph and wife June, brother Arthur and wife Marlana, sister-in-law Dorothy Shepperd and other dear family members.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters Christine (James) Yukel of Howard Lake, Cathy (Cory) Jones of Rockford and son Michael (Sara) of Isle, Minnesota. Carolyn is also survived by her cherished grandchildren; Samantha (Jared) Pierce of Howard Lake, Jonathan Yukel of Minneapolis, Andrew (Sarah) Jones and Jack Jones of Rockford, Emma (attending Concordia University in Seward, NE), Jacob, Cole, and Libby Dangers of Isle. As well as great grandchildren Gabe and Micah Pierce also of Howard Lake. Brothers Victor (Gladys) of St. Paul and Howard of Stewartville as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Blessed be her memory.

The funeral will take place Saturday April 17, at St. James Lutheran in Howard Lake at 2pm with internment to follow at St. James Cemetery near Dutch Lake. Visitation will begin 1 hour prior to the service.

Memorials preferred to St. James Lutheran School, Hutchinson Health Foundation (focus on mental health), Cedar Crest of Silver Lake and Allina Hospice.

Masks and social distancing will be in place due to COVID-19 precautions.

Ednel Delice Diedrich was born in Haiti on February 6, 1992. His earthly life ended March 22, 2021 in Crestview, Florida as a result of an auto accident. Ednel was 29 years and one month at the age of his death.
Ednel was adopted by Paul Diedrich and Donna (Just) Diedrich in 1994 at the age of two. He resided in Howard Lake and attended Howard Lake Waverly Winsted Schools. His church home as a youth was Elim Mission at Cokato where he attended Sunday School and Awana.
Ednel loved traveling, music, and engaging with people. He traveled the east coast and was residing in Florida at the time of his death. He was very interested in Bible study and had started a ministry which he called Rock-a-Bible. He wanted to help others in their deepest need. Ednel was friendly, curious and seemingly lived with a carefree joy. He loved his family and heritage. Ednel was generous with what little he had to a ministry in Pinyon, Haiti.
Ednel is survived by his parents Paul and Donna Diedrich; siblings: Christa, Stephen, and Magalie Diedrich; and nieces Myra and Ruby.
He was preceded in death by two siblings, Jodi and Angelique Diedrich.
A service of remembrance was held at the Howard Lake Cemetery on April 1, 2021.

Vogelsang, Donna Mae
age 88, of Winsted and Howard Lake, Minnesota passed away on January 11, 2021 at The Gardens of Winsted, Minnesota.
Donna was born November 3, 1932 in Blue Earth, MN to Leonard and Martha (Belau) Wood. On January 20th, 1951 she was united in marriage to Gerald Walter Vogelsang. This union was blessed with 5 children. She served her community through daycare and foster care and for many years was a Wright County head start teacher.
Donna enjoyed camping and children. She was particularly passionate about being a grandma.
Survived by her children, Brian (Jan) Vogelsang, Nancy (Doug) Neumann, Darlyce (Robert Smith) Vogelsang, and Janice (Steve) Edmonson, 9 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, son, Mark, parents, and 1 brother.
A grave side service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 9, 2021 at St. James Lutheran Cemetery on Dutch Lake, Howard Lake, Minnesota with a reception to follow at the Blue Note in Winsted. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake, MN 320-543-3401 www.swansonpeterson.com

Nancy Phoebe Jane Dokken Mills
Born in St Paul MN on January 16, 1933
Died Friday, March 26th 2021 in her sleep at home in Hanahan, SC listening to “It Is Well With My Soul.”

Nancy was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, navy wife, and more. She was a strong Christian whose light shined on so many people. The Lord was a central part of her life and every time she moved, she made sure to be active in helping the local body grow and mature. She ministered through singing in the choir, inviting people to church, helping with the prison ministry, cooking meals. She and Dusty were missionaries in the states for YFC Lifeline Youth Homes.

She lived all over the world with her Husband and family. She was married to Marvin (Dusty) Lew Mills LCDR U.S. Navy (Ret.). He was in the navy for almost 28 years. He preceded her in death in 1986. She was also preceded in death by her infant daughter Kayoko, and 21-year-old son Tino. She was the last surviving child of Altha and Elmer Dokken of Cokato, MN.

She was told she could not have children because of a car accident that shattered her spine, but she did not let her disability stop her from living life. After much discussion with the doctor, she was told she could carry a child only if she was on bed rest and she rose to the challenge. After her first child’s birth, Nancy went on to adopt 4 more children and over time foster-mothered 64 children.

Nancy is survived by her three children Dolores Carveth (Rick), Ryoko Yaryan (Samuel), and Toshio Mills (Jo), eight grandchildren Ann Popik (Ray), Carol Carveth, Tommy Carveth (Brette), Caleb Yaryan (Julie), Barak Yaryan (Lauren), Adriel Yaryan, Jacqueline Mills, and Joy Mills, and seven great-grandchildren, Noah Carveth, Jude Yaryan, Nora Yaryan, Ezra Yaryan, Malachi Yaryan, Isaac Yaryan, Selah Yaryan.

Those close to her would describe her as indomitable, loving, nurturing, and servant-hearted.
Nancy was “one tough cookie” who loved the Lord.

Memorial donations can be sent to:
Lowcountry Crisis Pregnancy Center – https://secure.egsnetwork.com/donate/8EED4D31384E446
Cokato Museum – https://www.cokatomuseum.org/how-to-donate.html
Campus Outreach – https://www.campusoutreach.org/donate/

Grave side Service: 2PM April 5, 2021 at Cokato City Cemetery
Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Cokato and Howard Lake, Minnesota 320-286-2534