Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

The Life and Legacy of Orville Peterson February 26, 1928 – April 27, 2023
Orville Rupert Peterson, age 95, of Cokato, passed peacefully into heaven in the late hours of Thursday, April 27, 2023. Leading up to his passing he had been surrounded by his loving children and family singing, reading and telling stories of his legacy. Family, friends, and neighbors are invited to join a time of visitation Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 5 to 8 pm at the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato. A time of prayer and reflection will be held at 7 pm. There will be a memorial celebration of Orville’s life at First Baptist Church in Cokato, on Sunday, May 7th at 2 pm. A time of visitation will begin at 1 pm. Burial will be at Stockholm Lutheran Church Cemetery. A light meal will be served and a time of fellowship will follow in the First Baptist Church reception hall. Arrangements celebrating Orville’s life are through Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato. Orville was born Feb 26,1928, to his parents Walter and Signe Peterson. He grew up with his siblings Bedford “Bud”, Elda and Betty Jean on the farm. After graduating from Cokato High School, Orville married the love of his life, LaVerne Johnson on December 17,1949. They made their lifetime residence on Orville’s family farm, six miles south of Cokato. Welcoming their first born a year later, was the beginning of establishing their family with seven children: Larry, Jane, David, James, Gina, Joel, and Mari. From the very beginning, Orville faithfully and lovingly served his family, by working on their heritage dairy and crop farm with the help and support of his wife, LaVerne, and the children. After many years of dairy farming, he continued with crop farming and began working at 3M in Hutchinson until retirement. In his retirement years, Orville and LaVerne traveled throughout the United States and visited family. Overseas travel included a trip to Europe, a Caribbean cruise, and a memorable trip to the Holy Land and the Mediterranean. In his leisure time he loved mowing/edging and keeping up his yard, fishing, giving tractor rides to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and playing the musical saw accompanied by LaVerne on the piano. He held an ongoing battle with the local raccoons and rabbits that tried to ruin the beautiful garden LaVerne cared for. His love of God, family and community were always a priority throughout his lifetime. Orville was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Signe; his wife, LaVerne; his brother, Bud; his sister, Elda; brothers-in -law, John Burton and David Clayton; and great-grandsons, Regan and Charles. He is survived by his sister, Betty Jean Clayton; sister-in-law, Carmie Peterson; children and their spouses: Larry (Sue) Peterson, Jane (Dwight) Dahlman, David (Pam) Peterson, James (Sue) Peterson, Gina (Steve) Gahnz, Joel (Carrie) Peterson, Mari (Larry) Okoro; 26 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren.

Nancy Carrol Hein-Ullah, age 90 of Howard Lake passed away on April 3, 2023. A memorial service will take place at 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at the New Life Assembly of God Church in Cokato, MN. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, MN www.swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534

Nancy Dahlman, 67, of Cokato, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

Nancy Jean Barka was born on Labor Day, September 5, 1955 in Litchfield, Minnesota to Reuben and Ione (Holsather) Barka.

She was baptized at the Mission Covenant Church in Litchfield and was confirmed at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in French Lake.

She was raised on a livestock and crop farm in Ellsworth Township where she gained a strong work ethic and a love for agriculture. As a youth, she was an active member of the Minnebelle Skippers 4-H Club in Meeker County where she excelled in clothing construction, sheep showmanship, and demonstrations. In high school, she joined the Future Farmers of America the first year girls were eligible and participated in livestock judging. In 1973 she became part of the first group of five females in the state to earn their Minnesota State Farmer degree.

She graduated from Litchfield High School and attended the University of Minnesota where she met her future husband, Kevin Dahlman. They were married on April 7, 1979 in Litchfield.

After marrying Kevin they moved to Cokato where they lived on the farmstead of Dahlco Seeds. In 1982, she was recruited by her father-in-law, Stanley Dahlman, to become a local property assessor. Her attention to detail and commitment helped her serve townships in western Wright County for thirty-four years.

Nancy was an active member of the community, serving as a volunteer for Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, the Knapp Busy Bees 4-H Club, Wright County 4-H, Dassel-Cokato FFA Alumni, and the Minnesota FFA Alumni. She was elected as Cokato Township Treasurer in 2007, a role she held until her passing.

She had a passion for cooking and baking, providing beloved treats for workers and corn detasselers at Dahlco Seeds, family, and members of the community. She had a special flare for cake decorating and baking Norweigan treats like lefse and kransekake (ring cake).

In recent years, her favorite role was being a Grandma to Hannah and Zachary. She was not what you call a football fan, but looked forward to Gophers football games because that meant she got to hang out more with her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Reuben and Ione Barka, and her four grandparents, Thore and Nettie Barka and Sander and Margit Holsather.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin, and her two children, Tony (Karla) of Des Moines, IA, and Pam (Jeff) Debele of St. Michael, MN, and two grandchildren, Hannah and Zachary Debele.

Other surviving relatives are her siblings Mary Ann Bannerman of Chisago City, Dan (Dianne) Barka of Litchfield, Jim (Gayle) Barka of Mora, and Randy (Judy) Barka of Forest City and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Memorials will be given to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in French Lake, the Dassel-Cokato FFA Alumni, and Wright County 4-H.

Visitation will take place Friday, April 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Stockholm Lutheran Church of Cokato and one hour prior to service Saturday.

A funeral service will take place Saturday, April 29 at 10 a.m. at Stockholm Lutheran Church.

Interment will be at the Stockholm Lutheran Church cemetery.

Russell Clyde Irvin, age 83 of Cokato, died April 22, 2023. Russell was born February 19, 1940, in Cokato, Minnesota to Charles Clyde and Opal (Webber) Irvin. Russell grew up in the rural Cokato/Silver Lake area. He attended Dahl School and Cokato High School where he graduated in 1958. Russell was baptized and confirmed at Stockholm Lutheran Church. Russell married his High School sweetheart Beverly G. Shuneson on June 6, 1959. Together they had three children Sheryll, Brian (Buck) and Bruce. They have created a wonderful and warm home for almost 58 years in Cokato. Russell had various jobs after High School, from working at Cokato Creamery and Mill, then Richwell Furniture, and finally Lundeen Flooring installing carpet for 37 years. He was also known for helping many farmers who needed help with milking cows if they wanted a vacation or due to illness. Russ formally retired in 2002, but seemed to stay just as busy with his passion and love for volunteering. Russ was involved with the Cokato Food Shelf and at present was on the board. He also earned the nickname “a storm chaser” by his love for organizing and serving community efforts to clean up after natural disasters. He was quick to help sandbag, rebuild, and loved using his chain saw. Other volunteer opportunities brought Russ to work on the Mercy Ship, a traveling medical ship in Alabama, 6 different relief trips to Mississippi to help after Hurricane Katrina, building houses with Habitat for Humanity, and a personal highlight of taking his grandson Jordan, on a mission’s trip to Haiti in 2012. In 2006, Russ was honored to receive the Virginia McKnight Foundation Award in Human Services. The foundation exists to recognize the life-changing difference one person can make through service, and his family couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient. Russell’s dedication to his faith in God and belief in Jesus Christ was demonstrated by his humble nature in caring for and serving others.
A devoted grandpa or “Gramps” as they knew him, for 25 years Russ and Bev attended sports events and activities from elementary to college for all of their grandchildren. With 9 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, number 19 due in May, Russ will be deeply missed. In his free time, Russ enjoyed woodworking. Minnesota shaped plaques, planters, cremation boxes and more. He had made 13 cedar chests, in which his children, grandchildren and Cokato Manor (a for profit sharing event) were the recipients. He has been a go-to handyman around the house, for other family members, and friends in Arizona. In March 2014, Russ and Bev purchased a home in Sun City, AZ. They called it their “winter cabin” and enjoyed their home away from home and community of friends every year. Russ was known as “Russie short pants” no matter the weather. Russ has been a member of Elim (now Highland Community Church) for over 60 years. He has sung in choir, been on the worship team, been a Sunday School and AWANA leader, served on the building and grounds board, participated as an usher, and was involved in Men’s Ministries. He also served on the Charitable Trust Board representing our Church and Food Shelf.
Russell is survived by his wife Beverly, married for 64 years in June. Children Sheryll Friend, (Jeff Hauge), Brian (Buck) (Tammy Bren), Bruce (Marilyn) Irvin, 9 grandchildren Reid Jilek (Nikki), Scott Jilek (Shannen) Ashley Weisner (Jeff), Tiffany Irvin, Jennifer Weiers (Jon), Shantel Threatt (Dee), Tyler Irvin (Renee), Jordan Irvin (Brianna), Sarah Irvin, 18 Great grandchildren, nephews, and one niece. Sister LaVonne Mortenson and brother-in-law Roger Shuneson. Preceded in death were his parents and in-laws, sister-in-law Joan Shuneson and brother-in-law Gary Mortenson. Interment will be at Stockholm Cemetery.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 5, 2023 with visitation 1 hour prior to services at Highland Community Church in Cokato. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s website. Casual attire (shorts if desired) is encouraged. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, www.swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534

Ruby Jane Drusch age 96 took the hand of her Lord on April 17, 2023 while at the Ridgeview Hospital, Waconia, Minnesota.
Ruby was born November 7, 1926 at the family home in Middleville Township rural Howard Lake, the daughter of Awalt and Frieda (Stueven) Birkholz. She was baptized on January 13, 1927 at their home by Pastor C.G. Seltz. A lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake, she was confirmed in her faith on March 17, 1940 by Pastor E.N. Seltz.
She received her elementary education at Vannurden Country School and St. James Lutheran School, graduating from Howard Lake High School as a member of the class of 1944.
On November 9, 1947, she was married to Raymond Schmieg at her parents’ home by Pastor Theo. Melinat a day later than planned because of a severe snowstorm. They made their home in Howard Lake where they ran a trucking business and she took pride in being a homemaker. Their marriage was blessed with three children. As the children grew older and they sold their business, Ruby found employment at Terlinden’s Our Own Hardware Store.
Life took a change when her husband of 29 years, Ray passed away in May of 1977.
Ruby was a strong, God-fearing woman. She was a faithful member of St. James Church serving as the Sunday School Secretary, singing in the choirs, active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and on various committees and guilds.
Her life took another change on August 16, 1980, when she married Don Drusch. Together they worked at Donnie’s OK Hardware Store. Ruby loved her blended family. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking and baking for family get-togethers and always made more than enough for everyone. Going up north to their cabin on the lake were always memorable times together. Although Ruby was not an outdoorsman, she loved spending time there, cooking meals and making sure everything was in order for the fishermen and hunters. For years she looked forward to Wednesday nights out, when they would meet friends for conversation and dinner. Playing dominoes with family and friends was a favorite pastime of hers, playing just days before her passing.
Ruby is survived by her husband of 42 years Donald Drusch; children Barry (Teresa) Schmieg, Vicki (Bradley) Schultz and Scott Schmieg; step-children Steve Drusch, Connie (Bob) Svendsen, Joe (Karen) Drusch, Debbie (Michael) Vialpando, Dan Drusch and Donna (Steve) Gatz; 24 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; brother Merrill Birkholz; sisters-in-law Ann Birkholz, Elaine (Larry) Heyer; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Ray Schmieg; parents Awalt and Frieda Birkholz; sister Wilma Nelson; brothers Wilton Birkholz and Virgil Birkholz; brothers-in-law Peter Nelson, Harvey Drusch, Dick Rolf; and sisters-in-law Ramona Birkholz and Lorraine Drusch.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 28, 2023 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake with visitation 1 hour prior to services at the church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-543-3401