Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Anderson, age 80, of Cokato MN, passed away Saturday, Jan 18, 2020, at the Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta MN.
A gathering to remember Betty will take place Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 10 a.m.to 12 p.m. at the Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Old Barkers Farm Senior Dog Sanctuary located in Isanti, MN, in Betty’s name.
Arrangements are being handled by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Cokato.
Betty was born August 14, 1939, in Camden, NJ, to George Martin and Lillian Driscoll. She grew up in Hammonton, NJ, and graduated from Hammonton High School in 1957.
Betty then attended Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) where she obtained a teaching degree.
After graduating, Betty moved to White Bear Lake, MN where she was a teacher.
Betty married Joel Anderson Nov. 27, 1971, The couple made their home in Cokato.
She worked at the Cokato Ben Franklin store and later other local businesses in Cokato, before spending the rest of her years as a homemaker. Betty loved nature and spent a lot of time watching birds and the family dogs.
She is survived by her two sons Brady and Justin Anderson, her sister Linda DeCicco and brother Houston Seals.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lillian; and her husband Joel Anderson.

Daryl “Taddy” Drusch passed away at home in Howard Lake on January 13, 2020.
Memorial Service: 1 PM Friday, January 17, 2020, at the Howard Lake, Winsted, Waverly, High School, 8700 County Road 6 SW, Howard Lake.
Visitation: 4-8 PM Thursday at St. James Lutheran Church 1000 7th Avenue, Howard Lake, and 1 Hour prior to service at School on Friday.
Prayer Service: 7 PM Thursday at Church

Daryl Todd Drusch (known to all as Taddy), was born April 6, 1970 in Winsted, Minnesota to Harvey and Lorraine (Zabel) Drusch. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake, where he was a life long member. He attended St. James School thru 8th grade, and went on to Howard Lake Winsted Waverly High School.
After 13 years of dating Taddy married the love of his life Julie Mifek, on April 3rd, 2004, at St. James. They welcomed Taylor James into their lives on August 31, 2004. They lived in town until recently purchasing their dream home in the country.
Over the years he worked for Delano Coast to Coast, on the Zander Farm, Joes Sport Shop, Diers Electric, Sibley Electric Inc. and lastly Laketown Electric. Taddy was a Fireman for 30 years. Presently serving as Chief #1.
Taddy coached Taylors baseball team and loved to coach basketball from the bleachers (loudly). Loved camping, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling and playing cards . Taddy helped anyone who needed it whether it was driving tractor or tinkering to get something to work right. Most of all Taddy loved spending time with Julie and Taylor as they were his world.
Taddy Drusch passed away on January 13, 2020. He had reached the age of 49 years, 9 months and 7 days. He is survived by his loving wife Julie and son Taylor. Siblings: Mike (Chris) of Waverly, Mark, Linda, Lila, Matthew “Chuck” (Darla) Drusch. Lynette Kleve all of Howard Lake. Merlyn “Pete” of Montrose and Craig “Toby” (Debi) of Delano. Mother in law Pat Mifek and father in law Jerry Mifek, Brother in law Jeff (Katie). 16 nieces and nephews and 15 great nieces and nephews, with #16 coming in March.
He was preceded in death by: parents Harvey and Lorraine Drusch, and brother-in-law James Mifek.

Virgil E. Melquist was born September 23, 1922 to Walter and Alice (Beckman) Melquist of Cokato, MN. He grew up in a loving home on the farm North of Cokato. He was baptized and confirmed at Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cokato where he has been a life long member having served on many committees throughout the years.
On May 14, 1947 he was united in marriage to Lucille Ruge at her church in Maple Lake, MN. To this union 2 children; Duane and Daryl were born.
After finishing the eighth grade he went to work on the farm. On the farm he helped with dairy, crop farming and worked at the saw mill cutting wood which was used to build many buildings in the area. Virgil and Lucy enjoyed going to church and attending bible study. Virgil also enjoyed working on several church projects over the years and helped build the church stand. His other interests include playing cards, softball games and dancing. He particularly liked polka. Virgil was especially proud of his family and enjoyed spending quality time with them.
Virgil passed away in Buffalo, MN on January 8, 2020. He had reached the age of 97 years. Survivors include: sons Duane (Mary) of Cokato and Daryl (Linda) of Eden Prairie. Grandchildren: Damon (Tresha) Melquist of Cokato, Stephanie (Dan) Robertson of Cokato, Michelle (Phil) Uecker of Cokato, Amber Lacina of Shakopee, Kalie (TJ) Daniel of Las Vegas, NV. Great grandchildren: Kenzie, Kylie and Kasey Melquist, Olivia, Gabrielle and Raquel Robertson, Adalyn and Sawyer Lacina, Stella Daniel and Bryer Uecker.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato. www.swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534

Duane C. Peterson 87, of Cokato passed away at Cokato Manor on 12/18/2019.
Memorial service: 11 AM Saturday, 12/21/2019, at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake.
Visitation: 3-7 PM Friday, at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, and 1hr prior to service at church on Saturday..
Prayer Service: 6:30 PM Friday at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home Cokato

Duane Clinton Peterson was born at Heatwole, Hutchinson, Minnesota on July 1, 1932, to Elmer and Agnes (Jenneke) Peterson. He was baptized as an infant at Faith Lutheran Church, Hutchinson and later confirmed his faith as a youth. He received his education in the Hutchinson area, and graduated on May 31, 1950 from Hutchinson High School.

Duane joined the United States Navy in 1952 and actively served until 1956. He spent time aboard the destroyer USS Rowan DD782 as a fire control officer. Duane served in the Naval Reserve from 1956 to 1960. On November 7, 1953, while in the service, Duane married Marcella Hintz at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. They were blessed with three children.

After service, the couple made their home in Cokato until 2014 when they moved to the Good Samaritan Apartments in Howard Lake. Duane was employed as a master bricklayer. and cement finisher at Martinson Construction for 40 years. After retirement, he worked for several years at Functional Industries in Cokato.

Duane enjoyed hunting, fishing, and listening and dancing to country music (Smoking Guns, River Canyon and South 40) with Marcella, his wife of 66 years. He loved spending time with family and friends. Duane was a member of the Cokato American Legion, Ridgerunners snowmobile club, and very active in his church, St. James Lutheran, serving as an Elder and in many other positions.

Duane passed away at Cokato Manor on December 18, 2019. He had reached the age of 87 years, 5 months and 17 days.

Survivors include: wife, Marcella; daughters Cindy Hoskins (fiancé Chuck Duncan) and Brenda (Randy) Schaufler; and son, Wayne (Kathy) Peterson. Grandchildren: Melissa (Stefan) Hamilton, Michael (Jenny) Hoskins, Ryan (Nikki) Schaufler, Rodney Schaufler (fiancé Shantay Krumray), Trevor (Lindsey) Peterson, and Shauna Peterson. Great-grandchildren: Briana Anderson (special friend Andy Miller), Katelyn Anderson, Mason Anderson, Wyatt Hamilton, Maggie Hamilton, Hailey Hoskins (special friend Maddy Benson), Devin Hoskins and Lexi Hoskins. Brother Lowell Peterson; sisters Lavonne Kaufman, Muriel (Harold) VonBerg, and Lois (Gary) Hoffman. Sister-in-law Delores Peterson. And by many nieces and nephews, friends and relatives.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Agnes; father- and mother-in-law William and Effie Hintz; brothers Lloyd (Loretta) Peterson and Omar (Edith) Peterson; brothers-in-law Hillard Kaufman, Ray Peterson, Clinton (Audrey) Hintz, Ellwood (Evelyn) Hintz, William (Doris) Hintz Jr., and Marvin Hintz; and sister-in-law Barb Peterson. Also several nieces and nephews.

Eliza (Mahlstedt) Haag was born December 2, 1921 in Albion Township, MN the daughter of Henry and Irene (Zander) Mahlstedt. She was baptized on January 15, 1922 at Bethlehem Evangelical Church in Maple Lake and confirmed there on August 25, 1935. Eliza was united in marriage to Ervin Haag on November 14, 1941 at Bethlehem Evangelical Church in Maple Lake. Their union was blessed with four daughters. Together they farmed and made their home in the country side of Howard Lake. Eliza was a homemaker and later began working with relatives in doing interior painting and varnishing. Later she joined St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. She served on the church Alter Guild and helped with quilting and assembly of the church newsletter. She also enjoyed flower gardening in her spare time.
On September 13, 2017 she became a resident of Good Samaritan Care Center in Howard Lake, where she resided until her death. On December 15, 2019 Eliza was called to her eternal rest at Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield.
Eliza was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin, her parents, siblings, grandson, Ricky Schmieg, and sons-in-law, Melvin Buttenhoff and Will Massingham.
She is survived by her daughters, Beatrice Buttenhoff of Howard Lake, Evelyn (Dale) Schmieg of Howard Lake, Ruth Massingham of Litchfield, and Karen (Merlyn) Schmieg of Howard Lake, 11 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Reverend Mark Loder will officiate; organist will be Mrs. Nancy Butterfass, and soloist, Dr. Deb Peterson of Litchfield. Internment at Howard Lake Cemetery, and casket bearers: Daryl Buttenhoff, Grant Bowman, Mike Massingham, Brian Massingham, Jason Schmieg, and Dan Schmieg. Visitation from 4-8 PM on Tuesday December 17, 2019 with 7 PM prayer at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, 320-543-3401, www.swansonpeterson.com