Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Jerald “Jerry” Micheal Meyer, age 73 of Cokato passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 22, 2022 at St Cloud Hospital.

Jerry was born to Melvin and Marvel Meyer Thanksgiving Day on November 24th, 1949 in Glencoe MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Brownton MN. Growing up Jerry was nicknamed “Smiley” by his family and friends for his contagious smile and charming personality. He grew up by Lake Marion, during school he participated in wrestling and football. He attended Brownton Elementary and graduated from Brownton High School in 1968.

Jerry worked with his dad on a mink farm at Lake Marion. After graduation he was employed doing construction then joined the Army in 1970. Jerry proudly served in several states and was stationed in Germany through 1972. On August 18th, 1973 he married Connie Hackbarth at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato, MN. Together they were blessed with 5 children: Christopher, Matthew, Brent, Brian and Laura. He was employed by Shwartz Manufacturing, RayDot and Faribault Foods.

Jerry was a member of the Cokato JayCee’s. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, garage sales, auctions, calling in to KWRC Trade Radio advertising his yard sale “⅛ mile north of the stop lights” in Cokato and his yearly family trips up to Mille Lacs Lake. The most important thing to Jerry was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Marvel Meyer; sister Janet Zajicek, brother in law Henry Zajicek; father in law and mother in law Carl and Eleanor Hackbarth; and nephew Jeremy Meyer.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Connie of 49 years, son’s Christopher Meyer, Matthew (Kari) Meyer, Brent Meyer (fiancee Natalie Griffin), Brian Meyer, daughter Laura (Alex Mages), grandchildren Makayla Meyer, Jenessa Meyer, Maverick Meyer and step grandchildren Isaac Dow and Jocelyn Dow. In addition to sibling’s James (Corrine) Meyer, Judith (Thomas) Theisfeld, Jerome (Rose) Meyer. Sister in law Carol Prince and several niece’s and nephew’s.

While Jerry left us too soon, the impact he had on the community will be felt for years to come. His quick wit and sense of humor will be dearly missed. Blessed be his memory.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 29 and visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 and continue 1 hour prior to services on Thursday, all at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, MN 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com

Mark Gabrielson passed away on December 8, 2022 at his home in Darwin, MN at the age of 43.
Mark Merle Gabrielson was born on June 1, 1979, to Gary and Jo Anne Gabrielson of Darwin, and lived his whole life in Twine Ball Country, the affectionate name he gave to his place of birth, where he and his family would eventually build a beautiful home. For over thirty years he worked to continue the community’s rich farming legacy, helping his Uncle Richard and Aunt Debbie on the family farm and, after Richard’s passing in 2018, his friends Jared and Courtney Johnson on their farm. A member of the Darwin City Council and the Forest City Threshers, as well as a lifelong member of the Rod and Gun Club, Mark was a celebrated and active member of the local community.

After graduating from Litchfield High School in 1998, Mark worked for 24 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator for the Ailie family at Ailie Construction out of Dassel. You may have seen his infectious smile as he passed by in his American Flag decaled pump truck, or heard his booming laugh while he poured concrete. Countless homes and farms across the state and beyond bear Mark’s touch, with his commitment to excellence poured into their very foundations.

Mark married Laura (Winge) in Hawaii on September 29, 2009. Together, they raised their sons Cole (22) and Lincoln (7) in Darwin. Mark relished being a dad and was very good at it.  He was a constant at sporting events and bedtime stories. Mark loved their adventures together; he was a world traveler, avid SCUBA diver and enjoyed camping and going to the lake, creating lifetime memories with his family.
When he wasn’t pouring walls, building foundations, or farming, Mark loved fixing machines with his brother Eric in the “clubhouse”, so that everyone, young or old, could find joy in riding. Whether he was fixing up ATVs, snowmobiles, side by sides, or any other vehicle you could name, Mark lived for making sure that everyone had something to ride so they could share his joy of riding. Mark worked hard to maintain the amazing network of ATV trails that he, his brothers and family built. They will continue to be enjoyed by so many of his friends and family.
Mark , “Ed”, “Edgar”, or “Uncle Giggars”, will be remembered for his incredible integrity; love for his family; diligent work ethic; quick sense of humor; his care for all those around him; the unbending friendship he offered; his unselfish willingness to help others, and so much else. He was and will continue to be beloved and cherished by everyone he met.

He was an incredible person who enjoyed life to the fullest.

Those left to cherish Mark’s memory and continue his legacy are his wife, Laura, and sons, Lincoln and Cole (Juliana), grandson Bennett, his mother, Jo Anne of Litchfield, brothers, Eric (Kristi) of Darwin and Ian (Lianne) of Hong Kong, and many loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Gary, and his uncles Richard Gabrielson and James Thalberg.
Upon Mark’s specific request a Celebration of Life will be held on July 8th, 2023. Details will be announced by his family at a later date.
It is cruel that Mark was stolen from us so soon. It is an understatement to say he will be missed. Those of us who knew him will honor his memory by remembering to be “1% smarter” than the problems we are trying to tackle, and by living joyfully, at full throttle.

Rest in peace, brother.

Gerald (“Jerry”) Andrew Larson, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2022 at Cokato Manor Nursing Home. An identical twin, he and his brother Lloyd were born January 2, 1931 to Charles and Esther Larson and grew up along with their sister Eleanor on the family farm on Lake Henry (Camp Lake) in Albion Center, south of Annandale, Mn. Inquisitive, energetic, and creative, the twins loved to share stories about life on the farm and their boyhood adventures with nearby friends and relatives. A graduate of Annandale High School, Jerry married Delores Norman of Cokato, Mn. in 1951 and they spent 63 wonderful years together until her death in 2015.  They raised their family and lived in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights until Jerry retired from the Minneapolis Gas Company (now CenterPoint Energy). Following retirement they returned to Lake Henry where he fulfilled his dream of designing and building their retirement home and spending warm winters in Florida near his brother.

He is survived by his children Angela Burke (Terry), Debra Larson, and Timothy Larson (Jeanette); grandsons Benjamin Larson (Missy), Andrew Larson, Tony Larson (Maddie), Dan Larson (Emmy), and John Retka (Julie); 13 great grandchildren; nieces and great nieces and nephews; the Mount Hermon Lutheran Church community; his caretakers, and his many cousins, friends, and neighbors who were part of his life.

To his joy, his grandchildren and great grandchildren all simply called him “Jerry” – a true and trusted friend who was always available to them. His front door was always open and he loved sharing stories with friends and relatives who stopped by for coffee and homemade cookies.  A selfless, honest and generous man, Jerry never met a stranger and reminded us daily to “be kind to everyone.”  He leaves behind a rich legacy of love of God, of nature’s bounty, of family and friends, and of a life very well lived.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 331 Harrison St. W, Annandale, Mn., followed by a luncheon.  Interment will be that afternoon at Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, 1284 Keats Ave. NW, Annandale, Mn.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church or to Cokato Charitable Trust, 182 Sunset Ave. NW, Cokato, Mn. 55302. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, MN www.swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534

Wilma Elaine Nelson age 94, passed away peacefully December 11, 2022 at The Gardens of Winsted Care Center, Winsted, Minnesota.

Wilma was born November 10, 1928 at the family home in Middleville Township rural Howard Lake the daughter of Awalt and Frieda (Stueven) Birkholz.  She was baptized on December 16, 1928 at St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake by Pastor C.G. Seltz and confirmed in her faith on March 29, 1942 by Pastor E.N. Seltz.

She received her elementary education at Vannnurden Country School and St. James Lutheran School, graduating from Howard Lake High School as a member of the class of 1946.

On September 25, 1948, Wilma was married to Peter Nelson at St. James Church.    They made their home in Cokato where she enjoyed employment at the dentist’s office of Dr. Gaustad for many years.  Upon his retirement she continued in her position with Dr. Bill Fiedler, DDS before retiring.

Taking coffee breaks at the Sweet Shop and throughout the years at downtown coffee shops and then at The Marketplace in Cokato were her favorite parts of the day.  Spending time with friends and making new ones, she always enjoyed visiting.  It has been almost five years that she has been having coffee with her friends at The Gardens of Winsted Care Center.  Family and friends were always important to her.

Wilma is survived by her sister Ruby (Don) Drusch and brother Merrill Birkholz; sister-in-law Ann Birkholz; foster son Quyen Nguyen;  nieces and nephews, who at one time or another have all agreed, she was the most fun Aunt ever.

She was preceded in death by her husband Peter; parents Awalt and Frieda Birkholz; brothers Wilton Birkholz and Virgil Birkholz; dear friend Phil Thinesen; and faithful dogs, namely Banana Joe.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, December 17, 2022 with visitation 1 hour prior to services at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-286-2534

We are with heavy hearts to announce the death of Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend, Don Gutzke. He passed away peacefully at the age of 92, surrounded by family.

Don was born in Coldspring, MN. on Oct. 25^th, 1930, to Otto and Suzanne Gutzke.  His family included 5 children: Mavis, Lorraine, Albert, Geraldine. Don moved to HL when he was 10 years old, with his family.  Don lived in town, he attended Howard Lake High School.  He participated and lettered in Football, Basketball and Baseball. He was a true athlete, and Baseball was his passion.  The Howard Lake Orphan’s being the centerpiece of that love.

Don and Colleen met in Howard Lake and were married in 1956. They moved to Minneapolis and Don enrolled at the MN School of Business, after graduation he started his career at Dayton’s.  Another true love of his life, as we all know from his many stories from those days. He was a Dayton’s Exec. Director of Operations, and he was part of a team that helped kick off the Target Corporation. During the 70’s the family lived in St Louis Park and Tracy and Dean were born.  The family was feeling the pull of the Howard Lake life so they returned to HL. Don drove to Mpls each day for work.  He and Colleen were Viking season ticket holders all the years of the Met Stadium days. When the Vike’s moved to the Metrodome, Don never saw another live Vikings football game.  To quote him…“I do not watch football with a roof over my head!”

The PGL was a place of happy days and great memories. Don and his family created a place to spend the summers in the mid 60’s thru the 70’s. This place had a meticulous yard which included a mini golf course, pool, outdoor sound system and a remodeled farmhouse that housed many of our family and friends over the years. There were many cold beverages and good times!

Don retired in 1980.  In retirement he we very busy.  Spent many winters visiting family and friends in California. Don Loved yard work. He kept a perfect lawn in the summer, and in the winter a driveway free of snow.  He enjoyed golfing, spending time “chewing the fat” at the Drugstore coffee sessions, “putsing” in his backroom.  He spent summers working at the HL Legion ball field, attending Baseball Games.  The HL Orphan’s and the Winsted Wildcats were his favorites. Don was inducted into the North Star Baseball Hall of fame in 1998. Any time he could spend with his friends and family were always the best.

Don fell ill to dementia in 2020.  Colleen was the primary caregiver for many months until he was moved to the Glen in Buffalo.  Don lived out his final stage of life at the Glen where he got excellent care and we met many good friends. We are BEYOND thankful for our Glen Family!!

Don was loved by his family and friends, and he loved all of them back in his own way. He always had a strong opinion on things if you agreed or not.  He was a great person, he will be sincerely missed.

There will be services held in Howard Lake at St. James Lutheran church. December 9,2022. Visitation at 1:00. Service at 2:00. Lunch follows at the Church school fellowship hall across the street.

Please join us at the Howard Lake legion afterwards to raise a glass. Bring with you all your good Don stories.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to;

The Glen Memory Care

On behalf of the Don Gutzke Family

201 1st St NE, Buffalo, MN 55313

-OR-

The Alzheimer’s Association

On behalf of the Don Gutzke Family

Thank you, the Gutzke family

Arr. by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake, 320-543-3401, www.swansonpeterson.com