May
08
Violet passed away at Cokato Manor on May 8, 2019
Funeral Service: 2 PM Monday, May 13, 2019 at Elim Mission Church, Cokato
Visitation: 5-7 PM Sunday at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato and 1hour prior to service at church on Monday
Interment: Cokato City Cemetery
May
08
Strandquist, Ruth Marian
age 100, of Cokato passed away on May 4, 2019 at the Cokato Manor. She was born March 9, 1919 in Helvetia, Minnesota to Reuben and Esther (Gongoll) Tesch. On October 12, 1940 she was united in marriage to Hubert Beckman in Watertown, Minnesota. This union was blessed with two children, David and Susan. In June of 1950, Ruth was united in marriage to George Strandquist in Watertown, Minnesota. This union was blessed with 3 children, Stephen, Janice and Robert.
Ruth was a long time active member of the New Life Assembly of God Church. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and travel. She was an exceptional hostess.
Survived by her children, Sue Mounkes of Durant, OK, Steve (Merijo) Strandquist of Mayer, MN, Jan (Marty) Clancy of Eagleville, TN, and Bob Strandquist of Waconia, MN, 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, spouses, son, David Beckman, and brothers, Waldo and Orlando Tesch.
A celebration of her life will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the New Life Assembly of God Church in Cokato with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com
May
06
John Custer passed away at his home in Howard Lake on May 5, 2019
Memorial Service: 11 AM Friday May 17, 2019 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake
Visitation: begins 1 hr. prior to service at the Funeral Home
Interment Howard Lake Cemetery.
John Kenneth Custer was born in Howard Lake, Minnesota on Christmas Day of 1926, to James and Alice (Herbst) Custer. He grew up in a grocery store family. He graduated from Howard Lake High School, and soon after he was drafted into the United States Navy. He served in Pearl Harbor, where he developed a love for Hawaii.
After his military service, John attended and graduated from the Minnesota School of Business with a business degree. On July 5, 1953 he married Rachel Zimmerman. To this union a son, Mark, was born.
The Custers made their home in Howard Lake, where John was the owner of Custer’s Super Valu. John was very involved in the community: He was a member of the Howard Lake Fire Department for 29 years, and an active member of the Howard Lake Business Association. He served on the city council and was also the Mayor of Howard Lake. John was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He traveled the world with Rachel and wintered many years in Oahu. He loved his local Legion and playing pull tabs.
John passed away at his home in Howard Lake on May 5, 2019. He had reached the age of 92 years, 4 months, and 10 days.
Survivors include son Mark (Lori) Custer; granddaughters Christine (Chris) Fetterley, Amy (Michael) Noll, Beth (Andrei) Stolyarchuk, and Jill Custer; great-grandchildren Lily and Maddox Noll; and his large American Legion family.
John is preceded in death by his parents, James and Alice (Herbst) Custer and Alice (Dougherty) Custer, and his wife Rachel.
May
06
Frances Santema Passed away on May 4, 2019, at Cokato Manor.
Memorial Service: 11 AM Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Elim Mission Church of Cokato
Visitation: will begin 1 hour prior to service at church
Interment: Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Cokato, Minnesota
Frances Dena Santema was born June 20, 1931 to Henry and Minnie (Otten) Strating in the village of Pease in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota. She was baptized as an infant and in 1950 became a member of the Pease Christian Reform Church.
She attended grade school in district 6 and graduated from the Milaca High School in 1949. She worked as a telephone operator until marriage to Sidney Santema in December 1951. They made their home in Daleville, Alabama, Milaca, Day, Braham, and Cokato, Minnesota.
Fran did day care in her home until her children went to school. She then worked as a retail clerk. In 1973 she opened her own gift shop in Cokato and sold out in 1983.
She was a member of the Elim Mission church, was active in Dorcas and enjoyed quilting.
Frances passed away at the Cokato Manor on May 4, 2019, she had reached the age of 87 years, 10 months and 14 days.
She is survived buy her children; Michael (Teri) of Inver Grove Heights, Sandra (John) Henz of Sauk Rapids, Steven (Merla) of Cokato. Grandsons: Tim and Patrick, step grandsons Brett and Jon. Sister Darlene Johnson of Eden Prairie.
Frances is preceded in death by: her parents Henry and Minnie, Husband Sidney, brothers: Alvin Strating, and Garret Starting. Sisters: Deane Drake and Alice Prince.
May
01
Larson, Harry Willard
age 86, of Waverly passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019 at the Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, Minnesota. He was born May 17, 1932 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to August and Florence (Robertson) Larson. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Harry was a milk truck driver and enjoyed the Minnesota twins and Vikings. He also liked NASCAR.
Survived by his brother, Ken (Alice) Larson, niece and nephews, Dave Larson, Dan (Teresa) Larson, Jackie Larson, and Eric Larson.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
There will be a celebration of his life at 1:00 PM on Thursday, May 9, 2019 with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, 320-543-3401, www.swansonpeterson.com