Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Lucille (Lucy) Gloria Lahr was born February 10, 1938 in Cokato, Minnesota, the daughter of Leland and Dorothy (Ostlund) Pettit. She was baptized at the First Baptist Church, Cokato and confirmed in her faith on April 14, 1957 by Reverend Melom at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Howard Lake. Lucy was married to Myron Lahr on August 11, 1956 at the First Baptist Church, Cokato by Reverend Olson. God blessed their marriage with two children.
Lucy was active in the community and her church. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and knit or crocheted afghans and scarves for those in need as well as for friends and family. In 2009, she was instrumental in organizing the St. James Lutheran Church Directory. Playing cards and bingo were some of her favorite pastimes. She also enjoyed watching the Howard Lake Orphans baseball team in the summer months. Being with family was important to her especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter Breanne.
It was on June 8, 2014, while a resident at the St. Mary’s Care Center, Winsted that Lucy was called to her eternal rest having reached the age of 76 years, 3 months and 29 days.
She was preceded in death by her parents Leland and Dorothy Pettit; brother Leland (Sonny) Pettit, Jr.; brothers-in-law Benny Major, Leroy Taber, Melmer Lahr and Donald Johnson.
Lucy is survived by her husband Myron; daughter Yvonne (Brian) Currey; son Kenneth (Lisa) Lahr; grandchildren Shane, Asher and Jessica; great-granddaughter Breanne; special family friends Shakil and Darcy Khan; sisters Barbara (Tom) Schmieg, Ruth (Gary) Schmieg, Sandy (Leroy) Zander; sisters-in-law Doris (Heinie) Pettit-Vonmende, Marcella Major, Mavis Tabor, Renee Lahr, Diana (Jerry) Boettcher; brother-in-law Edwin (Lynne) Lahr.
Funeral Service: 11 AM Wednesday, June 11, at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake
Visitation: 4-8 PM Tuesday, at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake and 1hr prior to service at church on Wednesday
Interment: St. James Lutheran Cemetery

Mardel Eva Martinson, passed away at Cokato Manor on 6/5/2014. Funeral Service will be 2 PM Monday, 6/9/2014 at Edgwood Gables, 600 3rd Street East in Cokato. Visitation will begin at 1 PM. Interment will be at the Cokato City Cemtery
Mardel Eva Martinson was born August 3, 1923, in Cokato, Minnesota, to John and Gerda (Larsson) Martinson. She was confirmed at the Elim Mission Church and graduated from Cokato High School in 1941.

Following high school she attended the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis. Upon graduating, she embarked on a career in the medical field, working a few years at Midway Hospital, after which she spent a year in Turlock, California. Finding California not to her liking, she returned to the Twin Cities and Midway Hospital. After several more years at Midway, Mardel started working with Dr. Lannan at Central Medical. After he retired, she worked for the Minnesota Department of Health until she retired.

Mardel lived in St. Paul most of her life and loved her city, particularly Como Park and Conservatory. She was also a troop leader for Campfire Girls and Bluebirds which resulted in some lifelong friendships.

Mardel was an adventurer. She traveled much of the world, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Sweden (three times) and much of Europe. She also enjoyed traveling in the States and was particularly fond of Glacier National Park and Colorado (where four of her sisters lived).

Mardel loved sweets. She was an excellent baker and was especially good at making candies. She loved to shop, most especially for clothes, and was always dressed to the nines. She also loved art and antiques (many of which she restored herself).

Mardel is survived by one older sister, Violet Peterson of Cokato, and one younger sister, Glorene Clements, married to Wendell Clements, of Sun City West, AZ. There are also six nieces and nephews: Marie Williamson of Amarillo, TX; John C. Martinson (Kristie) of Cokato; Mark G. Peterson (Marilyn) of Cokato; Bruce A. Martinson (Shelly) of Drayton, ND; James C. Martinson (Debbie) of Cokato; and Elizabeth A. Peterson (Harold Davis) of Minneapolis; as well as numerous great-nieces and -nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and many friends

John Theodore Johnson, age 70 of Delano went to be with the Lord on June 1, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Delano. He was born September 18, 1943 in Cokato, MN to Sidney and Lillian (Tapio) Johnson. John was baptized and confirmed at North Crow River Lutheran Church. He attended Cokato High School and continued his education with the Job Corp. as a water treatment specialist in Mankato, MN. John worked at ConCleco and Vandale Companies as well as owning a lawn care service. He enjoyed watching Family Feud, listening to music, visiting with his family and friends. He would always have a big smile when you brought him his favorite treat “3 Musketeer” candy bars. Going with John was always an adventure. You never knew where you were going or when you would be back, he just drove. When John and his twin brother Peter were growing up, they were quite the mischievous pair. What one wouldn’t think of, the other one would. The stories we can tell. He will be greatly missed by all.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife JoAnn, twin brother, Peter, and son-in-law, Paul Johnson-Reuben.
John is survived by his children, Carol Jean Johnson, Laura Levine, Kevin (Brenda) Strauss, Keri Johnson-Reuben, Lawrence Kostohryz, Janet Kostohryz, Gary Kostohryz, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sister, Sharon (Jim) Bodeker, Aunt Lila Ryti, nephews, Shawn Johnson, Aaron (Rachelle) Johnson and family, niece Vanessa (Paul) Haekenkamp and family, sister-in-law Jeri (Howard) Johnson, and friend Charles Paschke, along with many other family and friends. A celebration of life will take place at North Crow River Lutheran Church of Cokato (Knapp) at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 7, 2014. A time of gathering will take place 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com

Duane Matt Smith
Age 86 – Duane died in hospice care at Cokato Manor on May 11, 2014. He was born in Webster, SD on February 7, 1928. He resided in Chanhassen, MN for over 50 years. Duane is survived by his wife Georgia Jean with whom they just celebrated 60 years of marriage. He is also survived by his sons Ron (Cindy) of Akron, OH, Roger of Canton, SD, Todd (Trudi) of Cokato, MN. Grandsons include Jarid (Kezia) of Rochester, MN and Nathan (Brittney) of Sioux Falls, SD and their daughter Charlotte. Step grandchildren include Angela (Greg) Swanson and their children Madilyn, Brylee and Emily of Otsego, MN and Tara Storts of St. Louis Park, MN.
Duane was a lifetime member of the VFW in Hopkins, MN. His hobbies included woodworking and drinking Vitamin W. Duane loved clocks of which he made and collected. He will be missed greatly by his family.
A gathering and visitation will take place on Thursday May 15, 2015 at the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato, MN. Visitation will be held at 12:00 at celebration of life at 1:00 pm. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion in Howard Lake. Internment will follow at a later date at Ft. Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Merlyn Orville Lutter, age 73, of rural Howard Lake passed away Monday, May 12, 2014, at St. Mary’s Care Center in Winsted.

He was born July 5, 1940, in Middleville Township, the son of Orville and Evelyn (Shepperd) Lutter. Merlyn was baptized July 28, 1940, at St. James Lutheran Church by Eugene N. Seltz. He graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1958. Merlyn was united in marriage to Kathryn Ann Ludwig on August 12, 1961, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Columbus, Nebraska. God blessed their marriage with three daughters.

Merlyn farmed one mile from his parents’ farm for over 40 years. He and his daughters enjoyed participating in horse shows. He served on the AMPI Creamery Board, C & H Ag. Service Board, Central Livestock Shippers Association Board, and was a co-founder of the Wright County Pork Producers. For the last 20 years, he was a member of the Wright County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol, which gave him the opportunity to pursue his passion for horses.

Merlyn served as secretary of St. James Voters’ Assembly, was on the Board of Education, the Board of Trustees, and the Finance Board. He was also a lifelong member of the St. James Choir.

In his retirement, he was able to spend more time following his grandchildren’s activities, having coffee with friends, and attending auctions.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Ruth Hartman, and brothers-in-law Orville Hartman and Ray Aerni. Merlyn is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughters: Lois (Ed) Borner of Lake City, Nancy (Doug) Hasz of Alexandria, and Janet (Dan) Henjum of St. Bonifacius; seven grandchildren; brother Norman (Ardys) of Cheyenne WY; sister Jean Ostgulen of Rochester; sister-in-law Dorothy Aerni of Columbus NE; brother-in-law Jim (Cindy) of Columbus NE; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial Service: 11 AM, Saturday, May 17, 2014 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Visitation: 4-7 PM, Friday, May 16, 2014, with 7 PM prayer at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Howard Lake.

Memorials preferred to St. James Lutheran Church or Wright County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol.