Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Dennis Ernest Schroeder was born April 29, 1943 to Ernest and Erna (Plath) Schroeder in Hutchinson, MN. He was baptised on May 30, 1943 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Lynn Township and confirmed on April 14, 1957 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Buffalo Lake. He graduated from Buffalo Lake in 1961 and received his undergraduate degree from Mankato State University in 1965. He later received a Master’s in Education from St. Cloud State University.

On July 17, 1965, Dennis was united in marriage to Louise Nelson at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Buffalo Lake. Their marriage was blessed with a daughter Denise and son Kyle.

Dennis and Louise moved to Elmore, MN in 1965 where Dennis was a high school Business, German, and Driver’s Education teacher for two years. In 1967, they moved to Hutchinson, MN where Dennis was employed at Ridgewater College as a Secretarial and Clerical skills teacher until his retirement in 1999. During his teaching career at the college, he also worked with curriculum development and as the Tech Prep Coordinator. He also found time to co-author a typing tutorial software as an independent contractor.

Dennis enjoyed camping, traveling, playing cards and games with his wife, family and friends. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren grow. He was extremely proud of his daughter and son following him into the education profession. He was a very active member of Christ the King Church and participated with the church council, choir, usher, serving school lunches, and Saturday free meals. Dennis was also involved in the community as an election judge and caucus convener.

Dennis was a Life Member of Hutchinson Elks Lodge #2427 and took great pride in his work. He was a Past Exalted Rule, District Deputy, secretary (40 years), State Secretary (16 years), State Elk of the Year, and Hutchinson Elk of the Year. He participated in countless volunteer activities while a member of the Elks such as Bingo, Youth Camp, Taco Stand, Hoop Shoot, Conventions, Gun Show and the list goes on and on.

Dennis passed away on September 28, 2020 (on his late mother’s 100th birthday) while in hospice care at Harmony River.

Dennis is survived by his wife Louise, two children: daughter Denise and her husband Monte Einck, Kyle and his wife Laurie. Grandchildren Allison (fiancé Carl Fils-Aime), Makenna, and Maxten Einck. Eleanor, Andrew, and Julia Schroeder. Brothers: Darrel and Vicki Schroeder, Delwin and Sue Schroeder and several nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Ernie and Erna Schroeder and in-laws Walter and Mildred Nelson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with visitation 2 hours prior to services at the church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, www.swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534

Gerald (Jerry) Theron VanBenschoten was born in Springfield, New York to Theron and Doris (Seymour) VanBenschoten on January 27, 1948. He grew up in Richfield Springs, New York and graduated high school there.
After high school Jerry went to Florida where he worked driving pilings on the Seven Mile Bridge that leads to Key West. He also chartered scuba diving boats while in Florida.
On August 8, 1974 Jerry married Patricia Ellefson; the couple left Florida and moved to New Germany, Minnesota and later to Howard Lake. Jerry owned his own janitorial business for 15 years. When he was no longer able to do his janitorial work he enjoyed customer service and courier roles before retiring.
Jerry had many hobbies: golfing, bowling, shooting and woodworking. He was an active member of his church, Living Waters Christian Fellowship.
Jerry passed away unexpectedly on September 23, 2020 at the Buffalo Hospital Emergency Room.
He is survived by his wife Patricia of Howard Lake, Daughter Sara (William) Selvidge and their children Nora and Jasper of St. Michael. Also, his sisters Beverly (David) Wilson of Richfield Springs, New York, and Betty Graham of Debary, Florida.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents: Theron and Doris and sister Joan.
Memorial Service: 11 AM Saturday, October 3, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Waverly.
Following the service all are invited to a Covid safe box lunch at the residance

Darren Lee Johnson age 56 of Rockford, passed away unexpectedly September 1st, 2020. Proceeded in death by his parents Charles and Bonnie Johnson. Survived by brothers, Jerod, Mark (Betty), Randy (Michele) along with aunts Grace Nelson and Adele Mumford as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Darren was born February 25, 1964 in Litchfield MN. He worked 27 years for the USDA as an inspector which had him living in Cherry Hill NJ, Austin MN, Oakland California and ultimately returning to Minnesota to finish his career in the Mankato district. Darren had recently decided to retire fully and start traveling the world. He had trips planned to New Jersey, Texas and California intending to reconnect with friends made during his many years of living outside of Minnesota. He also had a Caribbean Cruise planned showing little regard for the world of Covid! He had an infectious laugh and a sharp wit that will be dearly missed by those who had the pleasure. Darren will be interned with his parents in a private service at the Cokato Baptist Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at Cokato Baptist Church, Sunday October 4th from 1:30-4:00. Masks and social distancing will be required by all those in attendance. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to MN Teen Challenge in Darren’s name

Kenneth Edwin Marohn was born April 14, 1934, to Edwin and Esther (Goerke) Marohn. Ken was born on the home farm in Middleville Township north of Howard Lake. He passed away at Mercy Hospital at the age of 86 years, on September 14, 2020.
He was baptized and confirmed in Bethlehem Lutheran Church and graduated from Annandale High School in 1952.
He joined the United States Navy and served for four years, spending most of his service time on the carriers. Upon honorable discharge he worked in San Salvador as an electronic technician for RCA for two years. He also worked for Control Data for about 20 years while farming north of Howard Lake.
Ken was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, Edwin and Esther, and his brother Ronald. He is survived by his brother Norman (Toots), brother William (Kay) and sister Jeanette (Vernon Beckala) and sister-in-law Alice Marohn. Other survivors also include his 13 nieces and nephews, John and Eddie Marohn and Lisa (Jim Spitz); Dawnine Beckala, Jamie (Denise) and Chad (Denise) and Stacy (Michael Blackmun); Terri (Lon Spangrud), Keith Marohn, Heather (Scott Ludwig); Sarah (Nathan Miller), Jennifer (Chad Haas), and Holly (Scott Wellman); as well as friends and relatives.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 11:00 AM with visitation 1 hour prior to service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Middleville Township, Annandale, Minnesota. Pastor Rob Jarvis will be officiating. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com

Mary Ann Robinson died peacefully July 10, 2020 at Good Samaritan Nursing Home of Howard Lake. Mary was born December 9th, 1944 and reached the age of 75 years. Mary was the daughter of the late Hugo and Alma Robinson and sister to James Robinson and wife, Susan of Creal Springs, IL.

Mary lived all her life on the family farm South of Howard Lake graduating from Howard Lake High School in 1963. She graduated from St. Cloud State and was a coach, substitute teacher and secretary to the Athletic Director until her retirement from Howard Lake Waverly Winsted Schools in 2013 after 35 years. Mary was an avid HLWW Lakers fan along with the MN Twins, Vikings, Woman’s Gopher and Lynx basketball teams. Mary was baptized, confirmed and was an active life long member of the Presbyterian Church of Howard Lake. Her hobbies included gardening and the growing and arranging of gladiolus. She was an active member in the MN Gladiolus Society. Mary also enjoyed knitting, quilting, her dogs and making Lefsa.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Hugo and Alma Robinson. Uncles and Aunts Hubert (Alma) Robinson and Elmer (Ardis) Robinson and Ardis (Edward) Munson. She leaves to mourn her brother, James Robinson, and cousins Terry Robinson , Sheldon Robinson, Dennis Robinson, Carol (Robinson) Kramer and Diane (Munson) Luehring. Along with students and staff from her years at the school and many friends.

Arrangements are by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Internment with graveside service will be at Howard Lake Cemetery on Friday, September 18, 2020 at 11:00 AM.