Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Delbert Dean Heidemann, age 82, entered eternal life with Jesus on March 7, 2025 at his home in Plato, MN.

He was born on September 7, 1942 in Browerville, MN to Albert and Elva (Minke) Heidemann and he had two sisters and one brother. Delbert was baptized into God’s kingdom on September 27, 1942 in Browerville, MN, and later was confirmed in Christ on June 10, 1956 in Eagle Bend, MN.

Delbert grew up on a farm where he began his love of animals, nature and tractors. He enjoyed going to dance halls with his siblings as well as dancing and listening to polka music.

He graduated and received his diploma from Browerville High School in May, 1961. In April, 1962 he joined the Army National Guard and served 6 years dedicating his service to his country. He was a machinist, operated tanks, shot carbines, was a rifleman, became a sharp shooter/sniper and was grade Specialist E-5 when he was honorably discharged in December, 1968 earning many honorary medals.

Delbert was employed at Eaton Corporation, Hydraulics Division in Eden Prairie for 40 years as a machinist. After retiring, he continued working in his home shop on various projects for himself and others. He was an inventor, entrepreneur, sheet metal welder, and a machinist.

His hobbies were building and painting race cars, Allis Chalmers tractors, constructing engines, working on 1950 – 1970 sports cars; especially his 55 Chevrolet, watching old time westerns; with his favorite being John Wayne and enjoying car rides through the countryside to see all the farmhouses aside the corn and soy bean fields.

One of Delbert’s favorite passions was working with his car buddies and spending time “souping up” the engines until they were at top notch power capacity and running super smooth. His laughter of delight and excitement could be heard above the loudly purring engines.

Delbert was a genuine, kind hearted man that would be there for anyone who asked for help. He had a comforting way about him that was heartfelt by others. His laughter and humor were like no other; he had a special way of making others smile. He was a teacher to many and also an endearing friend. His love of strawberry rhubarb pie, Baby Ruth candy bars and his favorite Coca Cola Zero “CCO” will never be forgotten.

His endearing legacy will be long lived through his loving family. He was an amazing father and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and remembered by all the lives he touched during his lifetime.

Delbert is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, his parents and siblings: Jeanette (Roger) Drevlow and Norbert Heidemann.

Survived by his daughter, Holly (Joel) Windschitl, grandchildren: Megan (fiancé Don McKee) Windschitl and Dylan Windschitl; and his sister, Dorothy Kaminski.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 22, 2025 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELS) in Glencoe, MN with Pastor Mark Rauh presiding. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service.

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11:25, 26

Mildred Lorraine Mattila (Wuollet) was born on January 21, 1932 to Harry and Estella (Lofback) Wuollet. On March 13th, while at home surrounded by her children, she was called to her Heavenly home. She was one of 16 children. Her mother died in childbirth when she was 10 years old. She was the milkmaid on the farm where her father raised the family, with the help of his girls, each taking their turn tending to the family until they left home. She went to Ojanpera country school, and graduated from Cokato High School in 1950 . Her and Jerry were married in August of 1952, on a weekend when Jerry came home on military leave. They made their home in Dassel MN and were blessed with 16 children. Milly was content in her role as a homemaker. While she enjoyed time spent gardening, baking and canning, her happiness came in sharing it with others. She gathered her family as often as she could. Jerry’s love for camping, and her willingness to go along, instilled a great love in her family for camping ‘Up North’. Her simple faith was an example for all of us. She met hardships in life and accepted the trials of her boys’ deaths with quiet grace. Home was where she loved to be, and serving was her greatest joy. Her loving instruction will be missed, but we rejoice in her victory! Survivors include her children: Philip(Caroline), Susan (Mike Jurmu), Carol (Doug Wuollet), Daniel, Barbara (Dave Wuollet), Maria (Lee Fredrickson), John (Rita), Mary (Joe Lehtola), Nancy (Trevor Simonson), Linda (Jon Parks), Sara (Charles Wuollet), Samuel (Annika) and Eric (Juliana). Daughters in law Nancy Mattila and Mary Kotila. Millie was preceded in death by her husband Jerald Mattila, her parents and siblings, three sons: Steven, Gary and Robert. Son in law Gregory Bratt and 7 grandchildren. A funeral services will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Laestadian Lutheran Church in Cokato, Minnesota. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 16, 5-8 pm with a prayer service at 7pm and then continuing 1 hour prior to services on Monday, all at the church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, Minnesota 320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Steven Klammer, 61, of Litchfield (formally of Howard Lake) passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025 at St Cloud Hospital surrounded by his family, due to complications from back surgery.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 21 at the American Legion in Howard Lake from 4-7 pm.

Steven Wayne Klammer was born November 7, 1963 in Winsted MN, the son of Kenneth and Shirley (Stock) Klammer. Steve was baptized, attended school and confirmed at St James Lutheran in Howard Lake and graduated in 1982 from Howard Lake Waverly High School. He also attended Ridgewater College.

In his teenage years, he would push the limit with his mischievous and partying adventures but for some reason he always got caught!

He married Karen Stoen in 1984 and together they had four sons: Wayne, Mitchel, Kyle and Wesley. He taught them how to fish and hunt. He also enjoyed watching their sporting events and being on the lake.

In 2011, he married Kathy Keeler and got used to living in town. They enjoyed trips to Walker, taking the boat out on Leech Lake and visiting Duluth. But most of all he loved a good meat raffle and was very lucky too.

Steve enjoyed being active with farming, fishing, hunting, boating and visiting with people. After he quit farming, he got a job selling boats and pontoons at Crystal Pierz Marine and then worked at Cabela’s in Rogers after it opened in 2005. He was an excellent salesman and truly enjoyed meeting customers and getting them in the water with a new boat. He even met Luke Bryan in 2017, didn’t know who he was, “apparently this guy sings country music” when he texted a picture.

He remained grounded to his farming roots, whenever he could he would help area farmers during harvest.

Recently, health issues plagued his body and he disliked not being able to get around and be active without pain. His cat, Doofy was his best friend. He struggled to find a surgeon to relieve his back pain and when he finally did and had the surgery, his body wasn’t strong enough to recover.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Shirley Klammer.

Steve is survived by his sons Wayne (Melinda Harrison), Mitch, Kyle (Ashley Ditty) and Wesley (Brittany Nelson). Much loved his grandchildren Addison, Avery, Haisley, Karianna, Ezekiel and Micah. Sisters Joni (Curt) Hedtke, Lori (Jim) Manecke and special friend Wendy Danzelsen. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Thank you for your prayers, words of kindness, memories shared and memorials. It is greatly appreciated and will help us heal during this difficult time.

Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota. #320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Michelle “Micki” Kae Day, age 82, passed away February 26, 2025 in Big Lake, MN at Cherrywood Assisted Living.

Michelle was born May 18, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN to Byron & Mildred Staaf.

She spent several years as a newspaper editor & enjoyed studying genealogy and loved her dogs.

Survivors include: daughter Ginny (Mike) Arbogast, grandson Dan Arbogast and sister-in-law Karen Staaf.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Art Staaf.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 3, 2025 at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato, MN with visitation one hour prior.

Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota. #320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com

Sherman Lee Stallmo, 85, of Winsted Mn (formerly of East Grand Forks Mn), passed away Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, at the Gardens at Winsted Assisted Living.

Sherman was born September 16, 1939, in McIntosh Mn to Gunder Stallmo & Alice (Anderson).

Sherman attended EGF Central High School and graduated in 1957. After high school Sherman joined the army. He served his tour of duty from 1961-1964. On August 10, 1963, he married the love of his life Maria Gottinger from Passau, West Germany in Junction City Kansas. After his discharge, Sherman and Maria returned to East Grand Forks where he got a job with the E.G.F Police Department. Sherman loved working in law enforcement and spent 30 years there.

He and Maria were blessed with two children, James (1964) and Sandra (1965). In December of 1994, Sherman retired as Police Sgt. from East Grand Fork Police Department. Sherman also worked a second job. He got his realtor’s license and worked realty on his down time. He loved working with people.

After the passing of his wife Maria in 2016, Sherman moved to Howard Lake with his daughter Sandy. His son Jim passed in 2019. Sherman moved into the Gardens at Winsted Assisted Living in 2021 due to health issues until his passing.

Sherman loved being with family, especially his grandkids. He loved to be outside, listening to his country music and enjoying a good cigar in the sunshine. His passion was the love of sports. He never missed a Twins, Vikings or Timberwolves game on TV. He was a big fan of the Howard Lake Orphans where his grandson Brad plays. If you knew my dad, he loved to make people laugh with a good Ole and Lena joke, if not another joke he had up his sleeve. He also loved spending time with his good friend Mark. He looked forward to his visits every week.

Sherman was a good, caring man with so much love to give. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Sherman is survived by his daughter Sandy Stallmo, Grandchildren Brad Bickmann, Haley (husband Shaun) Mahoney, Kala Phelps, great grandson Carter Weadick-Phelps and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, details to be announced. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake, MN 320-543-3401, www.swansonpeterson.com