Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

LaVerne Martha Peterson (88), of Cokato, Minnesota passed peacefully into heaven in the early morning of Saturday, August 15, 2020. She was surrounded by her husband Orville and their children at home.

Arrangements celebrating LaVerne’s life are being made through Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato. Family, friends, and neighbors are invited to join a time of visitation on Friday, August 21, from 5-8 pm at the Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato. There will be a Memorial Celebration Service at First Baptist Church in Cokato on Saturday, August 22. Viewing will begin at 10 am with the Celebration of LaVerne’s Life starting at 11 am. Burial will be at the Stockholm Lutheran Church cemetery. A light lunch will be served and a time of fellowship will follow in the First Baptist Church reception hall.

LaVerne was born on November 21, 1931, six miles north of Cokato, in the farm house of her parents, Albert and Martha Johnson. She was the youngest and only daughter with two older brothers, Donald and Russell. After graduating from Cokato High School, LaVerne married the love of her life, Orville Peterson on December 17, 1949. They made their lifetime residence on Orville’s family farm six miles south of Cokato. The following November they welcomed their first child. This was the beginning of establishing their family with seven children: Larry, Jane, David, James, Gina, Joel, and Mari.

Early in their marriage, LaVerne faithfully served her family, raising their children at home. During this same time, she pursued a nursing career to become an LPN, graduating in 1961 from the Litchfield Hospital LPN Program. After graduation, she worked for several years in the Dassel Clinic. Serving her family and her church family were always the center of her life. She was a member of First Baptist Church and through the years was frequently seen playing the piano, singing, accompanying vocalists and Orville on his musical saw. Her love of God, her family and her community were always a priority and she thrived in hospitality. Whether you knew LaVerne your entire life, or just met her, she always made you feel like family. She is known for making the best animal shaped pancakes, giving the perfect back scratch, serenading people with music, always remembering your favorite cake to make for your birthday and greeting you at the door to invite you in for a meal or a sandwich. In her free time she loved gardening, fishing and travel. In retirement years, LaVerne and Orv traveled throughout the United States visiting family. Overseas travel included a trip to Europe, a Carribbean cruise and a memorable trip to the Holy Land and Mediterranean in 1977

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Martha; her two brothers, Donald and Russell; sisters-in-law, Lorraine and Betty; nephew, Carmen; and great grandson, Regan.

She is survived by her husband Orville, her children and their spouses: Larry (Sue) Peterson, Jane (Dwight) Dahlman, David (Pam) Peterson, James (Sue) Peterson, Gina (Steve) Gahnz, Joel (Carrie) Peterson, Mari (Larry) Okoro, 26 grand-children, and 26 great grand-children.

LeRoy Gerald Schauer, age 64, of Howard Lake, Minnesota went to join his Heavenly Father on Saturday, August 15, 2020.
On September 9, 1955, Corinne and Gerald were blessed with the birth of LeRoy in the city of Arlington, Minnesota. LeRoy attended Zion Lutheran Parochial School through sixth grade; seventh and eighth grade at Green Isle School and then attended Arlington Green Isle High School and graduated in 1973. There he excelled in shop and was involved in FFA. He married his beautiful bride, Karen Denise Donahue on October 2, 1993 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Together they made their home in Howard Lake. Karen and LeRoy are members of St. John’s Lutheran Church. LeRoy was currently employed at The Bernard Group in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
LeRoy enjoyed making cabinets, wood working, bear hunting, deer hunting, as well as fishing. He was phenomenal at fixing things, taking anything apart and putting it back together. If anyone came to LeRoy for advice on how to fix something, he would always say, “Ok here’s what you gotta do.” He loved collecting tractors and antique engines. LeRoy and Karen enjoyed traveling together to NASCAR races, county fairs, tractor auctions and shows. Most recently they went camping in their Ice Castle fish house in Huron, South Dakota. They also enjoyed spending time together at their second home in Pine River, Minnesota.
Although LeRoy and Karen did not have any children of their own, LeRoy loved his six nieces and four nephews as his own. LeRoy and his furry companion, Kiba, enjoyed playing tug or war, wrestling and hanging out in the shop.
LeRoy is survived by his wife, Karen and furry companion, Kiba. Brothers; John (Rhonda) Schauer of Green Isle, MN and Peter Schauer of Hutchinson, MN. Sisters; Sharon (Jon) Roeschlein of Wheaton, MN, Sue (Ron) Schrupp of Lester Prairie, MN, and Sally Moddes of Hutchinson, MN. Sister in law; Sheila (Rick) Holtgrave of Richfield, MN.
LeRoy is preceded in death by his parents, Corinne and Gerald, nephew Dustin Michaels and grandparents.
The funeral will take place Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake.

Tom Lehtola, age 66, of Cokato passed away peacefully Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.
Tom was born on June 3, 1954 at Cokato Hospital to Henry & Dorothy (Saari) Lehtola of rural Cokato. He was baptized at French Lake church, and confirmed at Cokato Ev. Lutheran, Cokato, MN.

Tom attended Cokato Elementary School and graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School spring of 1973. During high school Tom was an active member on the wrestling & football teams. Tom loved the MN Twins, Vikings & Gopher football teams. He was a lifelong fan.

After high school Tom worked various jobs around the Cokato & Dassel communities. He never strayed far from Cokato.

Tom was diagnosed with lung cancer late in 2018. He put forth a determined and brave fight against cancer with his strong Finnish sisu.

Tom is survived by his beloved son Justin (Chelsey) granddaughters Lynnea & Leila of Eden Valley MN; Sister Teri (Bruce) Larsen of New Port Richey FL; Brother Douglas Lehtola of Richmond MN; nephews Nicholas (Felecia) & Chad Larsen and niece Katie Larsen. Also many cousins on both the Saari & Lehtola sides. Tom is further survived by many lifelong friends and his special bud Mike Wuollet.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

Tom’s ashes will be spread by his family at a future date along with a celebration of life get together. Cremation handled by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home Cokato.

Tom’s family sincerely thank his friends for the many rides and errands provided to Tom over the years. You all were a blessing to him.

Stanley O. Holm “The Swede” passed away peacefully Aug. 2, 2020 at Annandale Care Center. Stan was born Aug. 29, 1942 to Franklin and Agnes Holm. He graduated from Cokato High School in 1960. Shortly thereafter he served in the United States Army stationed in Korea. A lifelong resident in the Cokato area, Stan enjoyed working with his hands and being physical. He worked in the construction field until he retired at age 62. He played softball and bowled for many years. As a lifelong outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapshooting along with other outdoor activities. Stan enjoyed watching all sports on TV and spending time with other Veterans at the Howard Lake Legion. He’ll always be remembered for making people laugh with his joke telling and wonderful sense of humor.
Stan is survived by his children: Michelle (Eric) Higgins, Carolyn (Ray) Christensen, Tracie Holm, Brian (Yvonne) Currey and Betty (Jeff) Weber. Grandchildren: Catelyn Holm and Aubrey (Gary) Barnett. Siblings: Helen Peterson, Chester Holm and Arlene (Jim) Phinney and Sister-in-Law Margy Holm.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Ronald Holm, Evelyn Hintz, Edith Peterson, and Carl Holm, and his four legged companions Herman, Nels, Mike, Sadie, and Kai.
Military Honors will be performed at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Veterans Memorial Park, Brooks Lake, Cokato, Minnesota. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, www.swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534

With deepest sorrow, we announce that Wesley Evan Skeie, born November 21, 1987 our most beloved son, brother, family member and friend passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.

All those who were lucky enough to know Wes, lost a bright shining light in their lives. We will miss his huge heart, kind caring nature, his laughter, amazing sense of humor and most of all, the love he had for his family and friends.

Wesley was a talented athlete with a passion for all sports. He loved the outdoors, fishing, music, movies and reading. He grew up in Champlin, MN. He received his BA from St. Cloud State and worked in both sales and manufacturing over the years.

Wesley will be missed everyday by his Mom and Stepdad, Colleen Skeie Norenberg and Barry Norenberg, his Father, Brian Olson, step-mother Kristine Olson, his Brothers, Charles Norenberg, Max Olson and Clark Place, his grandparents Kathy Skeie & John Myers, Cindy & Gary Olson, Sandy & George Eng and Bob & Theresa Stommel and other numerous loving Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, pets and many great friends.

We know Wesley is now in the loving arms of God. Grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his beloved black lab Buster were there to greet him as he entered heaven.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date when it is safe for all who knew him to gather and celebrate the amazing man he was.

We LOVE and MISS you so much Wesley and are so grateful for the time we had with you-32 years wasn’t nearly long enough…until we meet again XOXO