Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Norma Luntina (Korpela) Larson was born at the home of parents John and Minnie Korpela on May 15th, 1922. She was confirmed and baptized at the Apostolic Church in Kingston. She attended grade school at Dewey country school and later graduated from Cokato High School in the class of 1940. After graduation, she worked in a restaurant in Minneapolis and later did defense work at McClintock Clock Company where they manufactured instrument panels of B-17 and B-29 long range bombers during the Second World War. She was married to Melvin Larson of Cokato on June 10th, 1950. They made their home on a farm in Knapp and were blessed with three children. Melvin and Norma were members of North Crow River Lutheran Church where Norma was active in WELCA. She also was a 4-H leader of the Knapp Busy Bees for six years. In 1975, Melvin and Norma made a month-long trip to Sweden to visit relatives. Norma loved visiting with family, friends, and neighbors. Norma was a fun-loving mother who spent time going on adventures with her children. She always wanted to hang out at the Larson Campground, where she would enjoy great company, food, and campfires. Her last, great campfire outing was the evening two days before her passing. Norma is survived by her three children, Lynette (Jeff) Bye, Shirley (David) Cole, and Dennis (Tara Opsal) Larson; four nieces, Gloria Dobratz, Linda Leinonen, Patricia Karels, Kathy Seiffert; nephews, Bill Korpela and Marlyn Hempel; six grandchildren, Nicole (Jeremy) Tupa, Harrison (Evelyn Lopez) Menke, Corey (Megan) Bye, Kris Bye, Rachel (Michael) Ford, and Taylor (Mike) Monson; and five great-grandchildren, Anthony, Joseph, and Vincent Tupa, Nikolai Bye, and Mateo Menke. Norma peacefully passed away at Buffalo Hospital on the morning of September 18th, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Minnie Korpela, husband, Melvin, four brothers, five sisters, three nieces, and a nephew.
A funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 22, 2023 with visitation from 4-7 on Thursday, September 21, 2023 and continuing 1 hour prior to services on Friday, all at North Crow River Lutheran Church (45 Quinnell Ave SW, Cokato, Minnesota 55321) Internment is at the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Cokato, MN. Arrangements are with Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-286-2534

Marlene Kay Olhausen was born December 1, 1938, to William and Alvie Frerk in Sutherland, IA. The 2nd eldest of six children, she grew up on the family farm where she learned the ethics of hard work, love of family and respect for others.
After graduation, Marlene married her high school sweetheart, Jim Olhausen. Together they began to raise a family of three children: Kim, Tony and Brent. In 1972, the family moved to Alexandria, MN where Jim and Marlene owned and operated the Lazy Day Villa resort on Lake Carlos. After nearly a decade, the resort was sold and Marlene started a new career at the First National Bank (US Bank) in Alexandria where she continued to work until her retirement. However, after finding out that retirement wasn’t really her “thing”, she went back to work as a cashier at Mills Fleet Farm for several years before moving to Cokato, MN.
Second only to the love she had for her family and friends, Marlene truly loved the “outdoors” and all the sights and smells that nature had to offer. Whether going on daily walks, cross country skiing, filling a bird feeder or working in the yard, she always needed her “daily dose” of fresh air!
Marlene was always a big reader and also enjoyed music of all types and especially enjoyed attending “Music in the Park” during the summers in Alexandria. She was an active member of her church, singing in choir for many years as well as teaching Sunday school and serving on various committees over the years.
On the morning of September 15, 2023, Marlene passed peacefully to be with the Lord. She is survived by her children; Kim (Tom) Morris of Annandale, MN, and Brent (Kim) Olhausen of Garfield, MN. Daughter-in-law Paula Olhausen of Baltimore, MD. Grandchildren; Mark Morris, Isaiah Morris, Maria (Tim) Ingle, Mackenzie Morris, Taylor (Liz) Morical, Blake (Taylor) Olhausen, Adam Olhausen, and Ashley Olhausen. Great grandchildren; Elijah, Gabriel, and Hanna Morris, Laurel and Merle Morical. Sisters; LaDonna Frolkey and Darla Deberg. Brother; Bill (Carol) Frerk. Brothers-in-law; Herman Rahbusch and Lyle Olhausen. Sister-in-law; Ardine Olhausen. Many nieces and nephews.
She is proceeded in death by her parents William and Alvie; Son, Tony; Sisters, Glenda Rahbusch and Alice Pippert; Brothers-in-law, Verlus (Pip) Pippert, Mike Frolkey, Bob Olhausen and Keith Olhausen; Sisters-in-law, Linda Olhausen and Norma Olhausen; Nephew, Mike Olhausen and Niece, Natasha Olhausen.
A private family service will be held in Sutherland, IA. Burial will be at Waterman Cemetery in Sutherland IA. Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato, MN.

Carol Ann Siltala (Simonson) was born on Aug 2, 1946 in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada, and called to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Mom was called home under the care of her husband, children and their spouses and the loving staff of Havenwood, in Buffalo, MN.
Mom was raised on the prairies of Saskatchewan, and her memories of her years growing up there were some of the last memories she shared with us. She would fondly tell us stories of time at the schoolhouse, of the sleigh rides to and fro, and of all the ways they found to keep themselves entertained at home. They didn’t have electricity or indoor plumbing for her first 10+ years growing up, but that seemed to romanticize her stories all the more, and how we longed to be a part of it. Though life at times was difficult, they lived life to the fullest. Mom moved to the Minneapolis area in 1968 for work, and was introduced to the love of her life, Dan Siltala. Though they didn’t court for long before they became engaged, Dad was adamant about finishing college before getting married. They were engaged for about 8 months, and got married on July 5, 1969. This union was blessed with eleven children. Mom and Dad lived in the cities for a short time, then ventured west to Cokato where they lived for over 50 years. It must have felt like home, as like an oak tree, they set their roots and they set them deep. Home has been in the same place for 50 years. Mom set the bar when it came to being busy, and she set it high. She was not a big fan of idle time. Mom set an example for so much in life, and for that we are so thankful. Faith was the most important part of Mom’s life, and her loving guidance will long be remembered. The lessons we have learned and the memories we have to share could fill volumes. Mom had special talents. She knitted Christmas stockings and sewed quilts for all of her children and grandchildren until her abilities faded. She was also a mentor to many with her smile, quick wit and enthusiasm for life.
Carol is survived by her husband Daniel Edward, children; Heidi & Mark Janckila, Wade & Judith, Ryan & Lea, Evan & Kristi, Craig & Kathryn, Rory & Jena, Matthew & Amy, Perry & Lindsey, Valerie & Daniel Hillstrom, Scott & Anna Liisa, Levi & Alexis, 100 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, many brothers & sisters and their spouses. Carol was preceded in death by grandchild Lily Jade Siltala, great-grandchild William Chase Aho, parents, parents in-law, several siblings and in-laws.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at the Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church. Visitation will take place from 5-8 PM with prayer at 7 PM on Monday, September 11, 2023 and continue 1 hour prior to services all at the church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, www.swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534

Mary Claire Krause, age 86 of Plymouth passed away on August 22, 2023. She was born February 14, 1937 in Utica, MN to Frank and Mary Claire (Crowley) Thompson. Growing up in Great Falls, Montana she later attended college at Winona State University. It is here that she met Roger Krause, and the two were united in marriage in 1959. They later settled in Cokato and Mary Claire taught in Annandale schools for many years. She enjoyed golfing and gardening.
Preceded in death by her husband, Roger, parents, Frank and Mary Claire, and siblings, Betsy Fayden, Jack Thompson, and Dorothy Gedrasik.
Survived by her children, Rick (Katie) Krause, Rob Krause, Sharon (John) Puchalski, and Mark (Julie) Krause, grandchildren, Kellen Krause, Kelsey Krause, Makenzie (Jacob Lanthier) Krause, Miranda Krause, and Brock Puchalski, and sibling, Rooney Thompson.
A memorial mass will take place at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 1, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, MN. Visitation will be held on from 5-7 PM on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato, MN and continue from 9:30 until 10:15 AM at the church on Friday. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, MN 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com

Jennifer Lynn (Janckila) Hillukka was born on September 30, 1987 in Litchfield, MN to Philip and Vickie Janckila.
She graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School in 2006 and went on to further her education at St. Cloud State University graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2011. She worked for seven years as a nurse, six years at the St. Cloud Hospital and one year at Shea Hospital in Arizona. She loved her time in Arizona which was spent with friends playing volleyball, roller hockey and hiking in the desert.
Jennifer married her prince charming, Jared Hillukka on May 31, 2014. They were blessed with three beautiful children, Cameron (8), Kyla (6), and Bauer (4). For the last five years Jennifer had been at home with her children full-time. This led to many opportunities to teach them and Jared about many aspects of life. Most important to Jennifer was her faith and family. She was happiest at home with Jared and their children. It was the simple things in life that brought her joy; a walk in the woods behind their home, reading, conversations over a cup of coffee, a cat’s purr, playing the piano, or a game of volleyball. We will remember her big smile, laughter, and dedication to others.
Jennifer passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on August 21, 2023 at the age of 35. She was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in January of 2021. Her cancer journey exemplified her courage, strength, and positive attitude. Her faith in God never wavered, and she trusted His plan for her life and knew that it was good. This particular verse brought her comfort, “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
She is survived by her husband, Jared Hillukka, children Cameron, Kyla and Bauer, parents Philip and Vickie Janckila, siblings Chanda (Levi) Lee, Tara (Phillip) Josephson, Anthony (Amy), Adam (Natalie), Stephanie (Nels) Josephson, Glenn (Britta), Landon (Amanda), Jake (McKenzie), Riley (Isabella), and Casey, father and mother-in-law Keith and Mary Hillukka, sisters and brothers-in-laws, many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her nephew Alexander and her grandparents Kenneth and Hinni Janckila, and George and Joyce Johnson.