Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Betty Joan (Kotila) Constenius passed away peacefully at Cokato Manor on October 23, 2023, after a 9-month courageous battle with both squamous cell cancer and CLL (Leukemia).

She was born to Walter Johnson & Afton (Dobbs) Johnson on June 6, 1933, in Golden Valley, MN. She lived in Golden Valley until she was two years old when her family moved to a farm north of Cokato. She started school at The Dewey School, Dist. No. 128. After first grade the family moved to Howard Lake where She graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1951. She was working at the local Farm Store when she met Earl Kotila.

Betty and Earl were married September 26, 1953, in Howard Lake, MN. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Kenneth & Leslie. Earl passed away in 1959. Betty met & married Frank “Richard” Constenius February 8, 1961, in Emmetsburg IA and their marriage was blessed with two more sons, Garret, and Brian. Betty lived all her married life north of Cokato, moving into the Cokato Apartments after Frank’s passing in 2018 and Brookridge Assisted Living in 2021.

All but one of Betty’s jobs were in manufacturing. She worked seasonally at Green Giant in Cokato, full time as an assembler for Tonka Toys, then at CTS starting out in shipping, became APICS certified and moved to production control until she retired in 1998.

Betty enjoyed watching nature, the changing of the seasons. From the trees budding and fruit trees blooming to the vibrant fall colors. Not only watching but also listening to the large variety of birds sing as they returned to her yard in the spring through summer and into the winter with the bright red Cardinals against the white snow. In the 1970’s she spent many hours on her snowmobile enjoying the wooded areas of Northern Minnesota and the local riverbeds. Gardening, both vegetables and flowers was another enjoyment for Betty from the planting and watching them grow to the harvest. When she was not outside or working, she was either doing needle work (all kinds) or keeping the cookie jar full for her boys. If she had any spare time, she enjoyed antiquing at auctions and garage sales.
Most of all Betty enjoyed people. She loved socializing with family, friends, and neighbors. Always a smile on her face she was truly the kind of person that “never met a stranger.”

Survivors include sons Ken (Joanne) Kotila, Garret Constenius, Brian (Carol) Constenius, daughter-in-law Carolyn Kotila, eight grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren and sister Geri Horsma.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents Walter & Afton, spouses Earl and Richard, son Leslie Kotila, siblings Doris Eggersglus, Rose Erdman, and Ramond Johnson.

A visitation & gathering for friends and relatives will be from 12 pm to 2 pm on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Cokato Township Hall with a brief memorial service at 2 pm. Interment will be at the Cokato Finnish Cemetery at 2:45 pm.

Diane Louise Von Ohlen, 64, of Cokato, MN, died October 22, 2023, peacefully at home.

She was born in Minneapolis, MN on December 10, 1958, to Adrienne & Gerald Brown, and was baptized as a baby. She grew up as a middle child with two older sisters and two younger brothers. Her younger years were spent in St. Louis Park, MN until they moved to Minnetonka, MN when she was 10.

During high school, Diane learned German and took a school trip to Germany in 1976. She graduated in 1977. Diane was always an ‘A’ student and continued to strive for academic excellence throughout college. She attended University of Wisconsin – Stout for 1.5 years before transferring to the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis and later going to Minneapolis Business School to become an executive secretary. She started working at a law firm while finishing school by filing paperwork and running errands. Even though she didn’t go to law school, they offered her a position when she graduated because she was so good at her job.
She worked her way up to being a paralegal, writing legal briefs and other legal documents.
Diane’s focus while working was saving enough money to buy a hobby farm so she could own a horse. She accomplished this goal and was able to put a down payment on a small ranch in Waverly, MN in early fall of 1988. She was moved in by February 1989.

On October 22, 1988 Diane met her husband, Allan Von Ohlen, during a wedding reception; she knew the bride and Al was an usher who knew the groom. They got married on May 18, 1991, at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, MN, with the reception taking place on their ranch. Diane grew up in the Christian faith, she was raised Catholic and later confirmed as a Lutheran in 1991 before the wedding.

Diane continued working as a paralegal at a law firm — even after bearing three children. She would work from home and stop by the office every couple of weeks. In 1993 she was the original remote worker. In 1998, after her third kid started walking, she became a full-time stay-at-home mom.

Diane & Allan’s first child, Jennifer, was born January 30, 1993. Connie was born October 18, 1994, and their son, Henry, was born October 6, 1997. They all lived in Waverly, MN until moving to Cokato, MN in 2000 to a larger hobby farm with a bigger barn.

Diane was the secretary and assisted with VBS at Stockholm Lutheran Church for a few years, and continued to help with church activities when the family started attending Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church in 2004. She was one of the church librarians for many years and taught 2nd grade Sunday School as well. Diane also assisted with township elections as a voting judge for a number of years.

In 2010 Diane was diagnosed with a serious heart condition that limited her abilities to do things, but that didn’t stop her from enjoying life. She continued to do limited chores and duties on the farm and in the house using about one third of her previous abilities. Diane actively helped and supported her children through school; she attended all of their extracurricular activities.

The family took a trip out west to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park in 2018. Diane had made the remark to Al while on their honeymoon in Jackson Hole, “We have to take our kids here sometime.” They were happy to have accomplished this dream.
On May 18, 2019, their eldest daughter Jenny, got married to David Niemela. Diane and Allan welcomed their first grandchild, Norah, on May 13, 2020, and their second, Amos, on February 15th 2022. Another is expected early January 2024.

In June of 2021, Diane got diagnosed with ALS, a neurodegenerative disease without a cure. On the way to the U of M for her diagnosis, Diane said, “God doesn’t make mistakes, let’s go find out what I got.” Diane had been showing symptoms of things not working right. After her diagnosis, she didn’t want to go back to church. When asked why she said, “It’s just going to bring everybody down. They have all been praying and pulling for me.” She was genuinely sad for how the diagnosis would affect others. She did resume church attendance until it was too physically exhausting.

She continued to enjoy life every day by spending quality time with family and friends, despite the progression of the disease. Even when she couldn’t move around the house like she used to, she was content sitting by the window and watching the birds. Diane honestly didn’t spend any time thinking about what she was missing or can’t do. She once said, “I just think about how blessed I am and thankful for Jesus saving me. This is nothing compared to what he suffered for me. My family and friends make me overwhelmed with love. How can I possibly complain or feel sorry for myself.”

On July 29, 2023, Allan & Diane hosted a Brown family reunion with their kids, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews on the farm.

Diane was so selfless, loving & caring — very Christ-like. Whenever she was teased about some quirky mannerism or silly mistake, Diane was the first one to laugh at herself.
Diane was a cheerleader for everyone else, always excited to hear about other people’s successes and one to always put others first. Diane not only taught us how to live with her fun positive nature, she also taught us how to die while just feeling very blessed and content with life.

Diane went Home to be with the Lord on the 35th anniversary of meeting her husband, Al. They always celebrated the day they met and Al will continue to do so. She was looking into her husband’s loving, caring eyes when she left as he too was looking into her beautiful blue eyes for the last time. Diane always mentioned it was those kind eyes that made her agree to dance with Al during the reception.

Diane enjoyed spending time with family, taking care of her many pets, maintaining the hobby farm and farm animals (horses in particular), bird watching (especially cardinals), having morning coffee, going to the cabin and listening and watching for loons, being outside, antiquing with family, learning German, gardening, puzzles, reading, watching the Minnesota Vikings, scrapbooking, building her many collections, board games, and being a proud Minnesotan.

Diane is survived by her husband Allan Von Ohlen, her daughter Jenny (David) Niemela; grandchildren Norah & Amos Niemela; daughter Connie Von Ohlen; son Henry Von Ohlen; sister Eileen (Dave) DeReus; brother Mike (Margaret Pyzdrowski) Brown; brother Tony (Lisa) Brown; 15 nieces and nephews – Sarah Callahan, Beth (Johnny) Geldernick, Dan DeReus, Mary (Søren) Madsen, John Weinauer, Ted Brown, Maddy Brown, Sam (Josh) McKinney, Steph Brown, Aaron Brown (Emily Castanias), Evan Brown; eight grandnieces and nephews – Heidi, Sam, Drew, Peter Geldernick, Silas, Benjamin, Liam Madsen, Jake McKinney.

Diane is preceded by her grandparents Clarence & Ethel Brown and John & Louise Lijewski; parents Adrienne & Gerald Brown; sister Renee; Nephew (Ryan) Callahan.

Fall is Diane’s favorite season, feel free to wear cozy sweaters, flannel, or fleece (Buffalo Plaid is her favorite) in her honor during the visitation or funeral. The visitation will take place at Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church in Cokato, MN, Monday, Oct. 30 from 4-7 p.m. The funeral will take place Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. with an hour visitation beforehand.

Keith Robert Evenski, 66, of Darwin passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023. Keith was born on May 20, 1957 in Hutchinson, MN to Arnold and Arlene Evenski.
He graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School in 1975 and served in the United States Army from 1975-1982. Keith worked as a purchasing agent for Heartland Ag Systems for 37 years. After retirement, he took a purchasing position at Fastenal in Hutchinson.
Keith married Joyce Ann Klement on May 7, 1982. They were blessed with 41 years of marriage and two children: son Kyle (Nicole) and daughter Mandi (Ting) and three grandchildren, Kyson, Ashlyn and Brevin. Family was the center of Keith’s life; he loved his children and was happy to see them succeed in life. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his grandchildren at any of their activities.
Keith’s favorite things included taking trips on his motorcycle with friends, taking family vacations, hunting, fishing, and making memories on the lake. He enjoyed being outside whether it was doing yardwork, spending time at the farm, or visiting with neighbors. As a skilled woodworker, Keith built many items for family and friends. He most recently finished building a new storage shed with the help of his three grandchildren. Keith was blessed with many friends throughout his life; his sense of humor had a way of putting smiles on their faces.
Keith is survived by wife Joyce, son Kyle (Nicole), daughter Mandi (Ting), and three grandchildren, Kyson, Ashlyn and Brevin. He is also survived by sister-in-law Connie (Andrew) Portner, and brother-in-law Rick (Jane) Klement, mother-in-law Delores Klement, stepmother Mae Evenski. Keith is proceeded in death by his parents Arnold and Arlene Evenski, and sister Brenda Evenski.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the St John’s Catholic Church, Darwin MN. A visitation will take place an hour prior to the service at St. John’s. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, MN 320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Hall, Edgar Emery Jr. “Skip,” age 78, of Annandale, MN, formerly of Golden Valley, MN, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, overlooking Lake Sylvia, on Saturday, October 7, 2023, after two years of living with cancer. He will be greatly missed by his loving family. Wife of 52 years, Cathie; children, Britt Hall Stroup, Tucker (Emily) Hall; grandchildren, Emery John “E.J.”, Clara, Naomi and June; sister, Cindy Hall (Foster Raundy); and loyal black lab, Lucy Lu.

Skip graduated from Golden Valley High School where he was a five-sport athlete. He went on to play football at Carleton College where he graduated with a degree in government. Skip was an inspiring teacher and coach in the Golden Valley School District. He went on to become president of Flour City Welding and Manufacturing in Minneapolis. Skip was a dedicated girls fastpitch coach, helped launch the Hopkins Girls Fastpitch Association and was a volunteer coach with the Annandale girls fastpitch program. He was active in the community as a member of the Annandale Lions.

Skip was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, ski trips with family and friends, and was passionate about pheasant hunting in Parkston, SD, with his labs: Heidi, Kirby, Easy and Lucy Lu.

Skip especially cherished spending time with his wonderful family and treasured friends…

Celebration to be held at a later date. Memorials preferred to American Cancer Society or donor’s choice.
www.swansonpeterson.com Cokato, MN (320) 286-2534

Marjorie Suzanne Steward was born on October 24, 1925 to Leonard and Ruth Kriesel Youngquist, who farmed near Somerset, Wisconsin. Marjorie and her older brothers, Alan and Glen, attended country school and the Emmanuel German Lutheran Church until their parents purchased a farm near Stillwater, Minnesota. They also attended country school there before graduating from Stillwater High School. Visiting the Youngquist farm to buy fresh produce was known as a fine way for St. Paul residents to spend a Sunday afternoon. From an early age, Marjorie enjoyed farm animals and especially loved dogs and her pet rooster.
She graduated from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis where she majored in Elementary Education, sang in the Lutheran Campus Church choir and ushered at Northrup Memorial Auditorium concerts. Marjorie met Roderick Steward, an entomology graduate student, at a Coffman Memorial Union ballroom dance. The reception following their 1947 wedding was held at the Youngquist farm. She was saved at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church and taught at Robbinsdale elementary school while Rod completed graduate school. They moved to Nevada, Iowa for Rod’s sales job in agricultural chemicals. They attended University Baptist Church in Ames until a business opportunity led them to found Steward Farm Chemicals in Mason City, Iowa. They helped grow Grace Baptist Church there and helped establish Clear Lake Baptist Church. When business conditions changed, Rod, Marjorie and their four sons moved to Cokato, Minnesota as the central location for his work as a barn equipment salesman.
After an industrial accident ended Rod’s agricultural sales career, Marjorie returned to work as a Cokato Elementary School first and second grade schoolteacher. She also accompanied the First Baptist Church choir as organist for several years and taught Sunday school classes. Most summers included visits to the family’s Northwoods lake cabin but only after gardening tasks had been completed and the garden was in good order. Marjorie retired from teaching after 20+ years, leaving a host of Cokato students who received excellent grounding in reading, writing and arithmetic as well as a good example in manners, politeness and respect for others.
Marjorie/Mom passed into her eternal rest and joy with the Lord she faithfully served on October 10, 2023. We thank God that her last moments on this earth at Lakeside before her heavenly homegoing were peaceful. We treasure her unwavering Bible study, faith in God, dry sense of humor and dedication to her family. We are thankful to God for her many gifts, always cheerful spirit, love of music, flowers and learning. She was steadfast in testifying to God’s faithfulness and goodness in all things – including the trials He saw her through as His faithful child. We rejoice that she has entered into the rest and eternal life of joy promised to those who accept the salvation that is only available through Jesus Christ.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Ruth Youngquist, brothers Allan and Glen Youngquist, husband Roderick, daughter-in-law Shelley, great-grandson William and nephew Steve Youngquist. She is survived by her four sons Mark/Lori, Tom/Colleen, Dan/Ann and John, nephew Eric Youngquist, 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be sent in her name to her favorite organization, The Voice of the Martyrs.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 19, 2023 with visitation 1 hour prior to services at the First Baptist Church of Cokato. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, MN 320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com