Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Timmy Bell passed away at his home in Dassel, Minnesota on December 2, 2016.  There will be a memorial service at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Albion Evangelical Free Church, North of Cokato.

Mellin, Willis Elmer
age 95, of Buffalo, formerly of Howard Lake and South Haven, passed away on November 27, 2016 at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Buffalo. He was born April 12, 1921 in Howard Lake, MN to Arthur and Ellen (Anders) Mellin. He graduated from Howard Lake High School.
After high school, Willis farmed north of Howard Lake, until he retired and moved to South Haven. While there, he attended Zion Methodist Church. He later became a member at Buffalo United Methodist Church.
Willis enjoyed farming, tractors, and Bible study.
Willis is preceded in death by his parents, brother Melvin, and sister, Edith Swanbeck.
A celebration of life will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 9, 2016 at the Cottagewood Senior Communities (201 1st St NE, Buffalo, MN 55313). Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake, Minnesota 320-543-3401, www.swansonpeterson.com

Audrey Jean (Allen) Sawatzke-Balgaard of Howard Lake, Passed away at the Ridgeview Hospital of Waconia on 11/24/2016.
Funeral Service: 11 AM Tuesday, 11/29/2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Howard Lake, MN
Visitation: 4-8 PM Monday at Church, and 1 hr prior to service on Tuesday
Interment: St. Mary’s Cemetery of Waverly

Rita Joyce (Hartkopf) Gruenhagen was born March 11, 1945 to Marvin and Mary Blanche (Aubart) Hartkopf in Minneapolis, MN. Rita graduated from Eden Valley High School class of 1964.
On June 5, 1970 Rita was united in marriage to Gary Gruenhagen of Howard Lake by Pastor Gerhard C. Michael at St. James Lutheran Church this marriage was blessed with four daughters Deborah, Delight, DeeAnn, and Donna. Rita and Gary lived on the family farm north of Howard Lake and shared 46 years of marriage.
Rita enjoyed a variety of things including music, dancing, cross stich, crochet, needle work, watching wrestling, playing Bingo, playing cards with family and most recently with her friends at the senior center. Rita also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
On October 24, 2016 Rita was admitted to the hospital for complications due to pneumonia. On November 13, 2016 Rita passed away at Abbott Northwestern hospital at the age of 71 years 8 months and 2 days. Blessed be her memory.
Rita is survived by her spouse Gary Gruenhagen of Howard Lake, daughters Deborah Gruenhagen and friend Marty of Lester Prairie, Delight (Teak) Wood of Howard Lake, DeeAnn (Roger) Hartsuiker of Hutchinson, Donna (Mike) Carlson of Montrose. Grandchildren Thomas Reardon of Montrose, Ashley and Caitlin Hartsuiker of Hutchinson, Danielle Wood of Howard Lake. Her siblings Alan, Marlys, Gennie, and Larry, Sister-in law Corene Oestreich of Howard Lake. Nephews Daniel (Teresa) Oestreich of Howard Lake, Donald (Tammy) Oestreich of Howard Lake, Niece Dellarae (Brad) Brabec of Watertown, and a host of other family and friends.
Rita is preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Mary Blanche Hartkopf, father and mother-in law Fredrick and Florence Gruenhagen and Brother-in law Dennis Oestreich.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 18, 2016 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service at church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-543-3401

Sandra Rasmussen passed away at Abbott North Western Hospital of Minneapolis on October 29, 2016.
Memorial Service: 2:00 PM Saturday, November 12, 2016 at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake
Visitation will begin 1hr prior to service.
Sandra Jean Rasmussen was born July 23, 1947 in Cokato, Minnesota the daughter of Walter and Hattie (Wackler) Helinske. A lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake she was baptized on September 7, 1947 by Reverend Theo. Melinat and confirmed in her faith on March 26, 1961 by Reverend Gerhard C. Michael.
On August 15, 1964, she was married to Gerald (Jerry) Rasmussen at St. James Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with a son Todd and daughter Bonnie.
For over thirty years, Sandy was employed by the Carlson/Gage Lettershop and for the last ten years at Sinclair both in Howard Lake.
Growing flowers and gardening were activities she enjoyed but spending time with family and friends was most important to her. She always had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
It was on October 29, 2016 that Sandy was called to her eternal rest having reached the age of 69 years, 3 months and 6 days.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; brothers Norman (Marian) Helinske, Donald (Carol) Helinske and special family friend Jim Murphy.
Sandy is survived by her husband Jerry; children Todd (Julie) and Bonnie; grandchildren Tory (Sandi), Nick (Amanda), Mike (girlfriend Molly), Aaron, Jesse and Raven; great-grandchildren Jayden and Anastasia; brother Clayton (Margie) Helinske; daughters-in-law Jody Rasmussen and Lisa Rasmussen; many relatives and friends.
Honorary urn bearers are Tory Rasmussen, Nick Rasmussen, Michael Rasmussen, Aaron Rasmussen and Jesse Morgan.
Officiating at the celebration of her life is Reverend Mark Loder with Nancy Butterfass serving as organist. Interment will be on a later date at the St. James Cemetery on Dutch Lake.