Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Elwood ‘Woody” Elvin Richner age 89 of Cokato passed away peacefully at his home on January 23 2021. He was born on April 14th 1931 to Ernest and Emma Richner. They lived on a farm near Rogers MN. At the age of 4 Woody endured a tragic farm accident which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Woody remained in his home in the care of his mother until she could no longer care for him. He was in and out of facilities until he came to Mykkanen Foster & Waivered Services, where he called home until his passing. He was cared for by many great staff throughout his life. Woody was given the opportunity and support to live his life to the fullest. He got to travel, be out in the community to enjoy some of favorite things such as dances, bingo and eating out. Woody also worked at Functional Industries, which he called “Camp” until he retired in 2019.
Woody loved to be around people, which many of you may have been greeted with an “Old Soak” or other unmentionable names along with an ear tug and a belly laugh. He loved to tell “tall” tales of him and his housemates going to the saloon and drinking beer, Woody did enjoy his beer (NA) along with coffee and pie. Woody enjoyed watching the 3 Stooges and Andy Griffin. Woody loved to go on van rides and sit in the front seat. He loved to have the window open, no matter what the weather was. He would tell you all the items he saw along the way. Some of the items that brought a twinkle to his eye were Jeep, Camper, Boat & Tractor amoung many other farm equipment. He also was a collector of many hats, glasses and stuffed animals.
Woody was preceded in death by his parents and two very special friends, Geraldine and Norman. Survived by a loving guardian Barb Vigoren, many friends and caregivers.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 28, 2021 with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato 320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Douglas Arthur Dalbec, age 78, of Cokato passed away at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 21, 2021 He was born July 23, 1942 in New Ulm, MN to Hubert and Doris (Uecker) Dalbec. Doug was united in marriage to Margaret “Peggy” Babatz on Aug. 24, 1963, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wayzata. This union was blessed with three sons. They made their home on a farm in Stockholm Township, near Cokato.
Doug hauled freight in the Maple Plain area and farmed for many years near Cokato. He enjoyed scrapping with his son Ron, cutting wood, eating at Pizza Ranch and watching his grandson Alex playing HS football & baseball..
Preceded in death by his wife and parents. Survived by sons: Larry (Mary) Dalbec of Park Rapids, Ronald (Lori) Dalbec of Buffalo, and Duane (Mardy) Dalbec of Waite Park; three grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a brother and sister, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.
Private Family Services were held Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato.
Serving as pallbearers were Stephanie Dalbec, Ted Dalbec, Alex Dalbec, Olivia Klausser, Lisa Fiecke, Nick Witshen, and Matt Dalbec.
Arrangements were by the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota 320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

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