Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Gordon Paul Raisanen, 68 of Cokato, MN passed away December 15, 2024 in his home after 16 years of challenges following brain cancer.

Gordon was born November 18th, 1956 in Buffalo, MN, son of the late Paul & Mildred Raisanen. He was raised at the family farm in Cokato with his 14 siblings, where hard work wasn’t a lesson to be learned, it was just the way of life. He attended country school at Temperance Corner and graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School in 1974.

After exploring various jobs in Minneapolis as a young adult, life brought him back to Cokato to become a part owner of R&H Painting Inc.

In 1977, Gordon married his childhood friend Ruth Hannus and they made their home in Cokato, where they raised their 10 children.

Gordon’s unique interests included photography, scuba diving, aviation, staying physically active and touring the countryside on his motorcycle.

Gordon valued good conversation with people of all walks of life, especially nieces, nephews and other youth. He was not a man who saw life as it was, rather, what it could be. He loved asking questions and listened with keen interest, always ready to see things from a new angle. This interest may have inspired him to resume studying in his 30’s. He graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in 1997, and pursued his career as an attorney for 10 years, until the age of 52, when he was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Even when speech became difficult after surgery, Gordon’s presence spoke volumes. A nod, a glance, or a smile conveyed a world of meaning. His optimism and humor never faltered. There was a quiet grace in the way he faced each day. A reminder that even in life’s most trying moments, hope can be found.

Many of us heard short comments from Gordon including, “Beautiful.” “No Cancer.” “Nice.” “It was good.” “Home-Home.” Although most words were taken from him in his later years, Gordon never lost the ability to preach the gospel of forgiveness until his final days.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 47 years: Ruth of Cokato, children: Riina (Eric) Koski of Cokato, Trisha (William) Koski of Dassel, Angela (Mark) Meredith of South Haven, Grant (Angela) of Dassel, Kristen (Darren) Byman of Silt, CO, Bryce (Brittany) of Cokato, Gregory (Courtney) of Cokato, Charlton of Cokato, Kambria of Cokato, and Kyler (Erika) of Cokato, and 56 grandchildren. He is further survived by his 14 siblings: Randall, Joan Kotila, Mary (George) Koivukangas, Kenneth (Pearl), Bruce (Patricia), Carolyn Mattila, Heidi (Larry) Torola, Warren (Brita), Susan, Dwight, Laura (Evan) Bekkala, Gretchen (Mark) Plough, Kirsti (Nick) Lang, and Philip, many nieces, nephews and relatives.

Gordon is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Mildred, brothers-in-law Mervin Mattila & Mark Kotila, sister-in-law Sheryle Raisanen, several nephews, and a niece.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church with visitation on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 4-8 PM with a 7 PM prayer service and continue 1 hour prior to services on Thursday, all at the church.

Marlys Marie was born on January 26th to Henry and Helen (Anderson) Salmela in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was the youngest of three children. Marlys grew up in Minneapolis. She spent her summers in Kingston with her Grandma Sophie while her parents were working. When her family moved to Cokato Marlys spent her teenage years working at the family business, the Cokato Bakery where she made life long friends. The bakery became a loving place filled with countless memories for Marlys and her family. It was where she met her future husband, Dennis. Marlys graduated from Cokato High School in 1950.

Marlys married Dennis Ortquist on January 13th, 1952. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage together (62 of them spent in the same house) and had 8 children, 25 grandchildren, and 49 great grandchildren.

Marlys loved her community and volunteered her time with the Cokato Nursing Home, Meals on Wheels, the American Legion, Eastern Star, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was an active member of her church and enjoyed being able to give back to her church family. She was employed by 3M for 25 years, but the title she cherished the most was Mom. She loved spending time with her family, whether that included shopping trips, coffee parties, or family trips to have countless laughs together. Holidays brought joy and memories for Marlys. Christmas held a special spot in her heart which she shared with her family.

Marlys Died peacefully on December 15th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her children Rene Ortquist, Robin (Tim) Kelly, Rise (Ron) Beckman, Rori (Doug) Carlson, Ruthie (Ron) Klima, Reid (Cheryl) Ortquist, Rahn (Pamela) Ortquist, Raquel (Chad) Kirchoff, Blake (Nick) Mullen, 25 grandchildren, and 49 great grandchildren.

Marlys is preceded in death by her husband Dennis, parents (Henry and Helen,) brother Roger Salmela and baby boy Salmela, granddaughter Ria Beckman, great grandson Austin Carlen, and great granddaughter Nora Klima. Peace be to her memory.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 20, 2024 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato with visitation 1 hour prior to services at church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, MN 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com

Lowell Michael Mikkelson, age 83 of Delano MN, passed away on Saturday December 14, 2024. He was born March 30th, 1941 in Belgrade, MN to Nordahl and Agnes Mikkelson.

He grew up in the Belgrade and Howard Lake areas, was baptized at Crow River Church in Belgrade and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake.

After Lowell graduated Howard Lake High School in 1959, he joined the United States Army and served for 6 years. After the Army he attended Dunwoody Institute for a short time before pursuing his career in Property Management for the past 50 years.

Lowell married the love of his life, Barbara Mahlstedt in 1963. They were married for 59 years. Together they lived in St. Louis Park and then moved to Long Lake and built their life for the next 35 years raising 2 daughters. They resided in Delano for the last 25 years.

Some of Lowell’s favorite hobbies were occasional trips to the Casino, watching football and going out with family and friends for dinners. He also enjoyed vacationing for many years with Barb, the girls and their friends. His favorite moments were spending time with his grandchildren Alex, Cameron, and Dani.

Lowell is preceded in death by his beloved wife Barb Mikkelson, parents Nordahl and Agnes Mikkelson and brother LeRoy Mikkelson.

Lowell is survived by his daughters Kimberly (Rod Spiering) Sipprell and Shannon (Mike) Cox. Grandchildren Alex (Montanna) Sipprell, Cameron Sipprell, and Danica (boyfriend Hayden Staudenmayer) Cox. Sisters Janice Lovaas and Julie Nuccio. Many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM with visitation prior starting at 10 AM, both at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, Minnesota.

Shirley Bernice Erickson, age 73

Wife, mother, grandmother. Went peacefully to be with her Jesus on Friday, December 6th, 2024. 

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, John Erickson, sons Josh (Amber) Erickson and Jeremiah Erickson, daughter Jenna (Dan) Gohman, grandsons Bauer and Eli Erickson and Sean Gohman. As well as 9 siblings, 14 nephews and nieces and 17 great-nephews and great-nieces.

Preceded in death by her mother Ardis, father Melvin, sister Joann, and nephew Matthew.

She spent her days gardening, visiting, making projects for county fairs, and bargain hunting at every thrift store and garage sale she came across. 

She was a beautiful soul who loved Jesus, and loved her family. 

Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm on Monday, December 9, 2024 with a prayer service 7:30 pm at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato, Minnesota.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church in French Lake, Minnesota.

Donald Harvey Lange (Big D)
Born on January 26, 1938 in Osseo, MN. Passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024.
Preceded in death by his parents Harold & Emma (Schutte) Lange, sister Lucille, brother Harold Jr., grandsons Bryce Lambrecht, Robbie Maiers and great granddaughter Avery Sinclair.
Survived by Brent & Kim Lange, Troy & Susie Lange, Mindy & Phil Maiers, Tracey & Paul Lambrecht, Wade Lange, and former wife Janine Sherry Lange. Survived by many friends & family.