Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

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

Bobbi Weibel, age 52 of Cokato, Minnesota, suddenly and tragically passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023. She was born February 9, 1970 in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota, to Alvin and Kathleen (Karger) Kratz. Bobbi was baptized at Zion Lutheran North Effington in Parkers Prairie, and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, Minnesota. She graduated early from Dassel-Cokato High School in 1988. Professionally, Bobbi worked most of her life in the restaurant industry. She started as a waitress at the Norseman in Cokato at a young age, where she worked with her dad, Al. Bobbi eventually worked as both a line cook and a prep cook for the Norseman, and then Daniel’s. After leaving the restaurant, she worked for Home Health with Cokato Manor, but eventually decided to pursue something that brought her much more joy—providing babysitting and drop-in day care for kiddos. Bobbi always loved being around children, and from a young age knew that she wanted to be a mom. Her first marriage to Chris Leinonen brought two beautiful daughters, Kailee and Brittany, who truly are her pride and joy. After their divorce, Bobbi spent much of her mid-twenties focused on raising her children. She met Ron Weibel, and they started dating and fell in love. He proposed at the Rose Garden at Lake Harriet, and on July 31, 1999, the two were married.

Much of Bobbi’s memory will be tied to her love and dedication to her family and friends. Bobbi loved fully and fiercely, especially her daughters, Kailee and Brittany; she was always their number one fan, cheerleader, supporter, and protector. Being a mom was an integral part of her identity. But as much as she loves her daughters, a worthy competitor came for her affection in July 2021 when her first grandchild Liam was born. Being his “Baba Bob” brought the biggest smiles and happiness to Bobbi. There were many parts of Bobbi’s life that were challenging in the years before her passing, but Liam was the brightest light in her day. In addition to Liam, Bobbi cared for several other children throughout the years. She adored being a “bonus” grandmother-figure to Kaia, Kalvin, Betty, Blake, Lena, Mari, and William, which is clear to see from her walls of photos, camera reel, and the way she lit up when talking about them. Bobbi was also an amazing friend, always willing to offer a helping hand and a listening ear.

It would be a disservice not to mention Bobbi’s other love language, food. She was a tremendously talented cook and baker, and loved making meals and goodies for others. Bobbi was an incredibly caring and nurturing person, and loved to show this through her food. She loved gardening, quilting and sewing, playing cards and board games, fishing, hearing the loons, camping, feeding and watching the birds in her yard, watching Wheel of Fortune, and being surrounded by her loved ones. Her passing leaves an unimaginable hole in the lives of those who love her.

Bobbi is preceded in death by: her grandparents Clarence and Martha (Orness) Kratz, and Margaret (Schober) Kratz, and Willie C. and Martha (Mielke) Karger, and Elna (Syverson) Karger; father-in-law and mother-in-law Duane and Jane (Barfnecht) Weibel; brother-in-law Randy Weibel; her aunts and uncles Clarice and Elden Diedrich, Charles Karger, Russel McLaughlin, Lavonne (Ost) Karger, W. Scott MacDonald, Kathy (Kratz) and Larry Hahn; and cousins Lory Allen Diedrich and Joel Jensen.

Bobbi is survived by: her husband Ron; daughters Kailee Leinonen-Wright (Will Wright) and Brittany Leinonen-Lintelman (Noah Lintelman); grandchildren Liam Leinonen-Wright and a second Leinonen-Wright baby due in June; her mother Kathy Kratz; father and stepmother Al and Julie Kratz; her sister Kristi Landato; brother and sister-in-law Wil and Jess Kratz; sister-in-law and bother-in-law Renee and Mike Salonek; sister-in-law Robin Weibel; and many other family members and friends.

A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Bobbi’s legacy will take place in two parts; on April 21, 2023, a wake will be held at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato from 4 to 7 pm, and a funeral will be held the following day, April 22, 2023, at St. John’s Church in Winsted, Minnesota, at 11 am.

Robert (Bob) Allan Moore
Bob was born on April 6th, 1953 in Sioux Falls, SD. He graduated from Lincoln Sr. High School in 1971. Bob joined the Air Force the summer of ’71 and served in the Vietnam War, stationed in Thailand. After his service he continued his education, earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Huron University. Bob started driving truck and eventually started his own trucking company.
Bob loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing, and flying his plane. Bob earned his private pilot’s license and owned two planes. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and belonged to a motorcycle club while stationed in Germany.
Bob passed peacefully on April 11th, 2023 while in hospice at the Good Samaritan in Howard Lake, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd W. Moore, Sr. and Louise Belle Moore (Young). He is survived by siblings; Melissa Slominski, Lloyd Moore, Jr., Earl Moore, Linda White (Terry), and Dawn Friese (Rod) along with nieces and nephews.

Fern, Amanda Rae was born on January 01, 1985, and was called home on March 21st, 2023. Her children were everything, and she always lived life to the fullest. She was born and raised in the Howard Lake- Waverly area and stayed there to raise her children. She loved being around family and friends, and being at the lake was her favorite place. She loved to help others, so much so that she donated her eggs to help create families and was also an organ donor. Even in our time of sadness, we know she still lives on as she helped save four lives through organ donation. Her smile and laugh were infectious to those around her. She touched the lives of many and was loved very deeply by friends and family. Amanda is survived by her children Ariana Fern- 16 (Art Lafountaine), Jackson -12 (Kevin) Chilton, parents Ray (Carrie) Fern and Sandy Fern, sisters Tami (Ben) Hanson, Stephanie Fern, Amanda (Kyle) Kulla, and Emma Kallio and brothers Brent (Jenny) Moist and Skyler (Bri) Dacus, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends. Amanda was predeceased by grandparents Ralph and Mary Jane Fern, Al and Eldora Harris, and uncles Daryl Harris and Dan Sullivan. The family would like to thank all that have reached out with donations to her GoFundMe account. These donations will be used to help with continued expenses for her children. Amanda’s Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 607 Maple Ave Waverly, MN 55390, with visitation starting at 8 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome for her children.