Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Norma Jean Cruz went home to Jesus on November 18, 2023 at the age of 69.

Norma Jean was born March 15, 1954, to Arnold and Bernice (Messerli) Bang in Cavalier ND. She was baptized on June 6, 1954, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Cavalier ND and confirmed on April 27, 1969, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato MN. She was a graduate of the class of 1972, the last graduating class of Cokato High School. She went on to work in the insurance field with Prudential, then United Health Care and finally Medica where she retired in 2020. After enjoying a short retirement, she went back to work with Medica.

Norma Jean was blessed with two wonderful children, Tom & Amy and two amazing grandchildren Landon & Britton. She had been praying for God to bless her with a loving husband and her prayers were finally answered in 2003 when she married her long-time boyfriend, Frank Cruz. They made their home in Cokato, Minnesota.

Norma Jean was devoted to her faith, her family and serving others. She spent countless hours volunteering and spreading the story and love of Jesus through programs such as Operation Christmas Child, Habitat for Humanity & Friendshare for KTIS, just to name a few. When she wasn’t giving of her time and talents, she also enjoyed baking, traveling, yard work, planting flowers, dining out and exercising. Her bible study and Medica prayer group were highlights in her week. She was also known to frequent the Caribou drive through to order 2 medium hot chocolates (½ milk chocolate, ½ dark chocolate with skim milk and no whip cream). But her absolute favorite thing to do was spend time with family, especially her grandkids.

Norma Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold & Bernice Bang, her sister, Marjorie Stewart, and her mother-in-law, Trinie Jenkins. She is survived by her husband, Frank Cruz, her children, Tom Glessing and Amy Glessing, and her grandsons, Landon Lee and Britton Glessing. She is also survived by her siblings Rick Bang, Nancy (Greg) Barrick, Al Bang, Mavis Noga, Marlene (Ron) Carlson, brother-in-law Marv Stewart, nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, December 15, 2023, at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato MN from 4 to 7 p.m. with prayer service at 6:30. Celebration of Life will be December 16, 2023, at Grace Hill Church in Cokato MN, at 10 a.m. with visitation one hour before.

Thomas A Lynch, age 67, of Carver, MN passed away on November 20, 2023.

Tom is survived by his son, Ryan; his grandson, Brady; his brother, Joe; his nephew David Williams and his niece Kelly Williams Finger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and LaVerne, brother Michael, and sister Pat.

The early years of Tom’s career was spent as a mechanic. He later went to work for Scott County as a highway maintenance worker. Tom was a hard-working man, father, grandfather and friend.

Per Tom’s wishes, there will not be a funeral or visitation. His request is to be laid to rest next to his parents at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Shakopee, MN.

Erma Minnie (Lange) Hechsel, age 88, of Cokato, formerly of Howard Lake, went home to be with her Savior on November 21, 2023.

Erma was born on January 12, 1935, to William and Erna (Hensel) Lange. She was baptized into Christ on February 17, 1935, confirmed her faith on March 21, 1948, and joined in Holy Matrimony to Arnold Hechsel on April 5, 1953, all at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake.

She was an excellent baker, quilter, flower gardener, and partner on the farm with Arnie. She sang in the Senior Choir at St. James for many years.

Erma is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Arnold of Cokato, her children, Diane (Glen) Johnson of Annandale, LaNette (Terry) Thorson of Howard Lake, Susan (Robert) Moritz of Hutchinson, Wendy (Jason) Mapes of Monticello, and Jeffrey Hechsel of Plymouth. She is further survived by 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law Ruth (Martin) Latzig of Howard Lake.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents, sister Orvilla Lange, and great-granddaughter Marlys Johnson.
Christian burial for Erma will be Saturday, November 25 at 11:00 am with the Rev. Mark Loder and Vicar Michael Speckhard officiating and Luke Dahl as organist. Visitation to be held 1 hour prior to service.

She will be buried at the Howard Lake Cemetery to await the glorious resurrection of all flesh at the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. James Lutheran Church or School.

Russell R. Kantola of Annandale, went to be with the Lord on the 16th of November, 2023 at his home in French Lake Township.

Russell was born to Richard & Lillian (Tolonen) Kantola. He graduated from Annandale High School in 1956. He was married to Marlene Volk on May 1, 1971.

He is survived by his wife Marlene Kantola, sons Robert Kantola of Eden Valley, Rick Kantola of Annandale, and granddaughter Kylee (Cody) Woehl of Dickenson, ND.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents Richard & Lillian Kantola, sisters Elsie Newago, Bernice Baker, Eleanor Esjornson & Viola Gutknecht.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, December 1, 2023 with visitation one hour prior to service at the Heartland Evangelical Free Church in Annandale, MN.

Shirley Arlene Waataja, age 85, passed away surrounded by her family at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids on November 16, 2023.

Shirley was born June 22, 1938 in French Lake Township to Raymond & Ailie (Bajari) Karie.

She attended French Lake Country School and Annandale High School where she graduated with the class of 1956.

On May 3rd, 1958 she married Paul Waataja with whom she recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. They made their home south of French Lake Corners and raised their family there.

Shirley worked a variety of jobs but found her passion doing home health care as an aide and continued there up to retirement.

Shirley & Paul took many road trips across the country. They also liked to camp and spent the last 29 years of summer weekends at Sherwood Forest near Mille Lacs Lake where she had many friends and relatives. She was an avid Twins fan and loved her furry companions she had throughout the years.

Shirley very much enjoyed the fellowship she had within her church community as well. Above all she loved her family and will forever be missed by them.

She is survived by her husband Paul, daughter Lori (Rolf Hogan), sons Jeff & John Waataja, grandchildren Michael (MacKenzie), Emily (Nick Faber), great-grandchildren Lola & Mikko Waataja. Bonus family: Derek, Erika, Dylan, Evan, Kate, Hank, Riley & Darby Hogan.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Leslie, Milo (Shirley), Melvin (Judy) & Roland Karie.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Kingston Apostolic Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to service.