Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

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.

Edward Vincent Hoppe, age 89 of Howard Lake, passed away on August 10, 2023. A wake will take place from 4-7 PM on Thursday, August 17, 2023 and continue on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 9:30-10:15 AM prior to a 10:30 AM funeral mass, all at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake, www.swansonpeterson.com 320-543-3401

Edward Hoppe, 89, Howard Lake, MN, passed away suddenly on August 10, 2023.

Edward was born to Ernest and Veronica (Secora) Hoppe on November 26, 1933 in Waverly, MN. He married Barbara Drietz on June 24, 1958. Barbara was the love of his life for 65 years. They had five children, Richard, Lucille, Theresa (Mike), Susan, and Michael (Annalisa).

Edward worked hard all his life as an employee with Minnetonka Boat Works and Washington Scientific Industries. After retirement, he worked at Cokato Lumber Yard and Buffalo School District. He also was a proud member for the Knights of Columbus.

Ed was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved turkey drumsticks, chicken, raspberry shakes and apple pie. His pastimes included word find puzzles, woodworking and tinkering in his garage. He enjoyed music in the park, fish-fry Fridays, county fairs on senior day, polka dancing and going to church Saturday evenings with his wife.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Veronica, his brother David, his daughter Lucille and brother-in-law Gervase.

Survived by his loving wife, Barbara, daughter’s Theresa and Susan and son’s Richard and Michael. Sister, Elane Pepin.Grandchildren, Amanda (John), Rebecca (Chris), Michelle (Alvin), Christina (Lee) and Adam (Amy). Great-Grandchildren, Abigail, Kelly, Laikyn, and Kayce.

Visitation, Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Waverly, MN.
Funeral Services, Friday, August 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Waverly, MN.

Edward Hoppe, greatly loved, deeply missed, smiling from above in his fishing boat in heaven.

November 26, 1933 to August 10, 2023, 89 years

Joan Carol (Kilpela) Peterson, age 84 of Dassel, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona and is now in the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ.

She was born March 6, 1939, to Mary and John Kilpela in Calumet, Michigan. After graduating from high school, she moved to Minneapolis and married her husband of 41 years, Raymond Peterson, on May 2, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan. Later she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Cloud State University. She found great joy teaching art to children and loved using her artistic talents to glorify her Lord in the creative arts ministry at her church. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She also spent the last four winters in Mesa, Arizona where she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Peterson, father, John Kilpela and mother, Mary (Peterson) Kilpela, brothers Paul Kilpela, Laurence Kilpela, Howard Kilpela, Donald Kilpela, and Carl Kilpela. Also, sisters Irene Waara, Ruth Rahkola and Estelle Saarela. She is survived by son Brad (Janet) Peterson, daughter Lori (Tom) Fangmeier, son Brent Peterson; grandchildren Nathan (Sara) Fangmeier, Chelsea (Bryce) Leiferman, Ryan Peterson and great grandchildren Titus Fangmeier, Grayson Fangmeier, Levi Fangmeier.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 11, 2023, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior from 9:30 – 10:45 am at Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church 5939 Oliver Ave SW Cokato, MN 55321. Private interment to follow at a later date.