Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Joel Anderson passed away at his home in Cokato, on December 19, 2016.
Memorial Service; 2PM Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Cokato
Visitation; 1 hour prior to service at church

Joel Myron Anderson was born in Cokato, Minnesota on April 28, 1942, to Myron and Lucille “Ginny” (Calgren) Anderson. He grew up in Cokato and graduated from Cokato High School in 1960.
Joel began service in the United States Army on March 19, 1964. He was a dog handler with the military police, and spent time in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged March 13, 1966.
After service Joel came back to Cokato and went to work for Martinson Construction and later for Honeywell where he stayed until retirement at age 55.
On November 27, 1971 Joel married Elizabeth “Betty” Griffin. They made their home in Cokato.
Joel enjoyed the outdoors, he liked to hunt, enjoyed guns, and dogs. He was very active in his church, patrticipated in Bible study, Sunday School, and mens prayer breakfast. At one time Joel and Betty facilitated their own church, meeting at first in their own home, and later a building in town. Joel was an active member of American Legion Post 209 of Cokato and member of the honor guard.
Joel passed away at his home in Cokato on December 19, 2016. He had reached the age of 74 years, 7 months and 21 days.
Survivors include his wife Betty of Cokato, sons Brady and Justin Anderson of Chanhassen. He was preceded in death by his parents Myron and Lucille, and sister Cindy Bergren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested you make a donation to the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter (HMAS) located in Hutchinson, MN, in Joel’s name.

LeVina Opsahl of Annandale passed away at the St. Cloud Hospital on December 19, 2016.
Funeral Service: 11 AM Thursday, December 22, 2016 at North Crow River Lutheran Church, North of Cokato
Visitation: 1 hr prior to service at church
Interment: Grace Lutheran Cemetery

LeVina Eleanor (Johnson) Opsahl was born October 19, 1924 to John and Amy (Lilga) Johnson in Parker Township, Randall, MN. LeVina was confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in Little Falls, Minnesota on May 21. 1939. She attended Little Falls High School until her family moved to French Lake, Minnesota in 1940. She graduated from Annandale High School in 1943. As the oldest child on the family farm LeVina was capable of completing any task, whether it was driving a team of horses, assisting with milking or feeding any army of farm hands during the harvest.
On February 23, 1946 she married Russell Opsahl at Grace Lutheran Church, French Lake, Minnesota. LeVina and Russell were active members of this church community most of their lives, serving on the council and committees. In addition LeVina was a proud member of the Gideon’s Ladies Auxiliary.
LeVina and Russell began family life in Cokato, MN. In 1959 they moved their family to Minneapolis in search of employment opportunities. LeVina enjoyed the 19 years she worked as a waitress at Parkway Restaurant in Minneapolis.
In 1977 LeVina and Russell returned to their roots in French Lake, MN having built their retirement home where they spent many happy years actively engaged with family, friends and their church, LeVina enjoyed fishing at the family lake cabin, feeding jelly to her Orioles in the spring and loved the companionship of her two cats in her later years.
Le Vina passed away at the St. Cloud Hospital on 12/19/2016. She had reached the age of 92 years and 2 months. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Amy (Lilga) Johnson, husband Russell, grandson Andrew, Sister Gladys Hanson and Brother Alfred.
She is survived by: her children: Linda (Gary) Mis, Leslie Opsahl, and Julie (Michael) Cates. Grandchildren: Carey (Tom) Robeson, Lori (Joe) Radunz, Chad (Shay) Cates, Sunita Shaw, Tony Persaud. Great Grandchildren: Sara (Aaron) Heidebrink, Aidan Galvin, Paige (Troy) Lehto, Mackenzie Meier-Cates, Natasha (Luke) Swenson, Serenity Smith, Aston, Cody & Logan Cates, Athens &Apollo Radunz, Ronnie Gall. Great-great grand children: Andon & Braxton Heidebrink, Cameron & Alex Galvin, Noah Swenson. Sister: Ruby Wolff, and many nieces and nephews

Sharon Kay Fredricks passed away at the Hutchinson Hospital on December 14, 2016.
Memorial Service: 2 PM Monday, December 19, 2016 at Stockholm Lutheran Church, South of Cokato
Visitation: 1 Hr. prior to service at church on Monday
Interment: Stockholm Lutheran Cemetery in the spring.

Michael Reynold Granquist, age 68 died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on December 5th, 2016. Mike was born to Reynold and Minnie (Simonson) Granquist on July 6th, 1948 in Litchfield, MN. He was raised on the family farm north of Cokato near Happy Corner. He attended school at Happy Corner until the 8th grade and graduated from Cokato High School in 1966. After graduation, he pursued a career in the Army National Guard. Mike was very proud to serve his country and retired after 28 years.
In 1975, Mike started a career in real estate working for United Farm Agency and later for Swartz Brothers. In 1982, he joined Bradley Real Estate, and eventually became part owner.
In 1970, Mike was united in marriage to Christine Edwards and they had two daughters, Denise Granquist of LaFeria, TX and Aimee (Granquist) Burgstaler of Delano, MN. On November 26th, 1986 he was united in marriage to Lynn (Rausch) Flickinger and acquired two more daughters, Tammy (Flickinger) Mattson of Carbondale, CO and Lisa (Flickinger) Anderson of Ham Lake, MN. They made their home on the family farm for the last 30 years, which he actively farmed until the last few years. He enjoyed farming, hunting, playing horseshoes, where he won many trophies and championships. He also really enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He became a French Lake Township supervisor in September, 1993 and since March, 1994 has been the Chairman of the Board. He was also an active member of the Kingston Legion, Post 483.
Gratefully sharing his life, Mike is survived by his wife, Lynn, daughters, Tammy (Scott) Mattson, Lisa (Larry) Anderson, Denise Granquist, and Aimee (Evan) Burgstaler, sisters, Elaine (Wally) MacDonald and Mae Evenski, eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Along with many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Marilyn, and infant brother, Roger.
A Celebration of his life will take place at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Cokato, with gathering of family and friends 2 hours prior to the service at Church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-286-2534

Loren Burdette Zander, age 94, of Howard Lake, passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at the Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home in Chaska, Mn.

Loren was born on August 2, 1922 in Victor Township to Frank and Alice (Streich) Zander. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. He was a life long member of the church and of the Howard Lake community.

He graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1940. He attended Hamline University for one year, adding more honors to his high school and college track career.

Loren enlisted in the Army Air Corp, receiving his commission and wings in December of 1942. He was a B29 pilot, serving in the Pacific Theatre, flying 38 missions. Loren was later recalled in the Korean War, serving at Travis Air Force Base.

Loren married Lorraine Gutzke on Nov. 28, 1945 at the Buffalo Courthouse. The couple made their home farming in rural Howard Lake. Loren was also the Route 2 mail carrier for 30 years.

Loren and Lorraine enjoyed camping, golfing, dancing, traveling, and playing cards. They raised 6 children together. After retiring from the mail route, they spent the winter months in Texas. Lorraine passed away on June 25, 1998.

Loren married Mary Hobbs of Missouri on May 20, 2000 in Howard Lake. Loren and Mary also enjoyed their winters in Texas and summers in Howard Lake. They kept busy dancing, playing cards, traveling, playing pool in the Valley League and just being with each other.

Loren is preceded in death by parents Frank and Alice Zander, sister Lois, brother Gerald, and wife Lorraine. He is survived by his wife Mary, children Thomas (Lorrie) Zander, Richard (Connie) Zander, Mary Jo (Rob) Painschab, Jed (Tami) Zander, Jane (John) Kothrade, John (Shari) Zander, Mary sons, Carl Hobbs, Bob Hobbs, Jerry Hobbs, Don Hobbs, 23 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and many other friends and relatives.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 4-8 PM with 7 PM prayer at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, and continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church. www.swansonpeterson.com 320-543-3401