Swanson Peterson Funeral Home

Marvin Gilman Balgaard, 88, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2020 at the Garden House Memory Care Assisted Living in Winsted, Minnesota.

Marvin was born on October 2, 1931 at home in Evansville, Minnesota to Melvin and Gladys (Bergan) Balgaard. He was the oldest of eight children: six boys and two girls. He spent his early years on the family farm and graduated from Evansville High School in 1949 at age 17.

Marvin’s love for Jesus shown in the way he lived his life with a humble heart and servant feet. He was baptized November 29, 1931, and confirmed June 9, 1946, both at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Evansville, Minnesota. He began attending St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake in 1957 and became a member in 1959. Prior to the computer age, he served as their financial secretary for 28 years and head usher for 24 – a job he “did by the book” – including lighting the candles in the “proper” order. He straightened pews, cleaned the brass candle sticks, served on the scholarship board, made sandwiches, and helped out wherever he was needed.

He was inducted into the Army on October 14, 1952 and proudly served his country during the Korean War. While in the Army, he earned a National Defense Medal, United Service Medal, and a Korean Service Ribbon. He was honorably discharged on October 14, 1954.

Marvin moved to Waverly, Minnesota in 1956 to help out on the George and Jean Marketon farm. He became a lifelong family friend and part of their family as he was like an uncle to the kids LuJean, Kenny, Virginia and Bob. Marvin and Bob have always shared a special bond and Bob was at Marvin’s side when he passed away. Marvin always considered himself a farmer and enjoyed fieldwork and running the tractor so much that he would take a week off work for plowing.

Around 1956, Marvin went to work full time at Merchants Refrigeration, a cold storage facility in Hopkins, Minnesota, where he was fondly known as “Shorty” to his co-workers. His family especially enjoyed the frozen foods and Fanny Farmer candy he would bring home. He prided himself on never having called in sick or having an unplanned day off. He received special merit in 1990 for having 30 years without a time loss. At some point Merchants was purchased by Christian Salveson and upon retiring on May 28, 1992 Marvin received a certificate in grateful appreciation for 35 years of faithful and dedicated service.
Thought to be a confirmed bachelor, he found and married the love of his life, Audrey Sawatzke, on October 25, 1985, in Waverly Minnesota. With the two little words, “I do,” he became a husband, stepdad, father-in-law and grandpa to 12. By the time of his passing, the family grew to include 30 grandkids and 41 greats with his namesake Marvin McNeil due the day of his funeral. His grandchildren rate him a 10/10, and say he gave the world’s most all-encompassing hugs. Ever the gentleman, he taught them by example some of the best lessons, including how to show up, laugh, be patient, and love unconditionally. He dearly loved his family and friends and was always up for a game of cards, dice, a can of Coke, an episode of “Bold and the Beautiful,” and to watch the trains go by.

Marvin and Audrey made their home on Little Waverly Lake, and later moved to Howard Lake. They also spent 18 winters in Tucson, Arizona. Marvin’s battle with Alzheimer’s began in 2013, and he moved to the Garden House on May 2, 2017. Over the years, this became his home where he was loved and treated like family by the staff.

Marvin’s many collections included cars, trucks, tractors, Garfield, Avon beer steins, matchbooks, whiskey bottles, hats, and history books. He supported several charities, including The Alzheimer’s Association, VFW, Cancer Society, Disabled Vets and others. He volunteered at the Good Samaritan Society where he could be found serving ice cream or popcorn, and for Meals on Wheels

He is survived by step-children Joan (Mel) Laurence of Mound, Dan (Dawn) Sawatzke of Waverly, Chris (Rich) Alverson of Osakis, Doug (Jenell) Sawatzke of Annandale, Dale (Laura) Sawatzke of Maple Lake, JoEllen (Joel) Fasching of Winsted, Carol (Dan) Tongen of Annandale, and step daughter-in-law Jan (Doug) Koelfgen of Albertville; grandchildren Katy Laurence, Jessica (Erich) Axmacher, John (Amber) Laurence, Julie (Joe) Jenkins, Carrie (Jake) Thomason, Tammy Sawatzke, Eric (Erica) Sawatzke, Andy (Nicolle) Sawatzke, Joe (Beth) Sawatzke, Jeanne (Justin) Hertzog, Abby (Brad) Ficker, Mindi (Preston) Nash, Brittany (Nick) Laven, Robbie (Britta) Alverson, Michelle (Andrew) Franz, Diana Alverson, Bobbi Jo Alverson, William Alverson, Kelly (Adam) Burns, Turner (Chelsey) Sawatzke, Kristal (Evan) Witt, Jennifer (Kris) Loebertmann, Bob (Crystal) Sawatzke, Blair (Lynn) Derry, Michael Sawatzke, Keith Fasching, Audrianna (Andrew) McNeil, Brady Tongen, Peyton Tongen, and Paige (Troy) Lehto; and great grandchildren Kylie and Griffin Byun; Scarlett, Madeline and Grayson Axmacher; Eric Cantrell; Logan Laurence; Ivy and Macy Jenkins; Parker Thomason; Rayna, Gianna, and Grady Anderson; Emma Rose Sawatzke; Kayden and Addison Sawatzke; Lachlynn and Lennon Sawatzke; Bennett Hertzog; Hallie Ficker; Pason, Nora, Tytus, and Jakin Nash; Toby, Lucy, Hadley, and Molly Jo Laven; Marlow and Sawyer Alverson; Alexis, Jaxon, and Hazel Sawatzke; Ruby Witt; Ray and Jacob Loebertmann; Morgan and Max Sawatzke; and Ivan, Owen, and Beau Derry.

He is further survived by sister Beverly (Bob) Bonkoski of Lakeville, brother Ronald Balgaard of Alexandria, sister-in-law JoAnn Balgaard of Olivia; and friends who are family: LuJean (Larry) Starke of Nicollet, Kenny (Colleen) Marketon of Howard Lake Bob (Annette) Marketon of Howard Lake and Virginia (Ken) Wandersee of Buffalo.

Marvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife Audrey in 2016; stepson Richard Sawatzke; father Melvin Balgaard; mother Gladys Balgaard; brothers Roger, Dennis, Truman, and Luverne Balgaard; sister Elvina Schrupp; and friends George and Jean Marketon.

Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association or the VFW

A funeral service will be Friday, March 6 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. There will be visitation at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m., prior to the service. Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling the arrangements; www.swansonpeterson.com.

Marian Johnson passed away at Cokato Manor on 2/21/2020.
Funeral Service: 11 AM Friday, February 28, 2020 at Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church
Visitation: 5-8 PM Thursday at the Church and 1hr prior to service on Friday
Interment: Cokato Finnish Cemetery

Marian Elizabeth Johnson (Wuollet), 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21st. She was surrounded by family and loved ones as the angels came to take her to her heavenly home. Marian was born on January 24, 1926 in Cokato, Mn. Marian was a hard worker, helping in the barn and also helping to raise the family when her Mother died on her 16th birthday. Marian was married to James Johnson on July 3rd, 1948. Marian was blessed with 11 children; 8 girls and 3 boys.
In Marian’s life, there were many joys and sorrows. Throughout it all; she remained in the center of God’s kingdom. God gave her a heart of a faithful servant. She humbly and obediently brought her children up in faith and turned to the believers in time of need. She served many believers in her home and was a mother/grandmother to many. We have all learned by her example and hope to one day join her in heaven.
Marian is survived by her loving family; Kathleen (David) Niskanen, Kristine (Edward) Jurvakainen, Karen (David) Raisanen, Rebecca (David) Forstie, Ranaye Motari, Bruce (Susan) Johnson, Judith (Douglas) Mattila, Brian (Valerie) Johnson, Sandra (Steven) Hall, Janelle (Nathan) Muhonen, Curtis (Kristen) Johnson. 139 grandchildren, 405 great- grandchildren, 18 great great- grandchildren. Siblings; Marcella Hallberg, Mildred Mattila, Myrtle Keranen, Dick (Maryann)Wuollet, sister-in-law, Eva Wuollet, brother-in-law Robert Johnson.
Marian was preceded in death by her husband James Johnson; mother, Estella Wuollet, father, Harry Wuollet; 7 sisters, 4 brothers, 1 son-in-law, Steve Motari; grandchildren, Jered Motari, Benjamin Hall, Troy Niskanen, Trisha Jurvakainen; great-grandchildren, Alex Niskanen,

Roger Lee Tonsberg, age 79, of Howard Lake passed away from complications of congestive heart failure on Saturday, February 15, 2020, at the Buffalo Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at the Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato on Thursday, February 20, at 11 a.m.
Roger was born May 11, 1940 to Esther (Scott) and Theodore Tonsberg. He was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cokato. After graduating from Howard Lake High School, he learned the skills of auto body work from his older brother Marlyn. In 1962, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. As a marksman on a competitive pistol team he traveled into several countries from which he ably sent special gifts back home to his family.
After a two-year tour of duty, Roger attended St. Cloud State University, majoring in biology. His interests in hunting and fishing earned him trophies in marksmanship in numerous events. In 1963, he joined his brother to continue with the auto body repair work at Vincent’s Auto Body in Minneapolis until 1969. This work extended to his brother’s auto body shop in Plymouth for another twenty years.
In later years he showed his Labrador, Blackie, whom he had trained and groomed for competitive trials. Together, they traveled the U.S. and Canada capturing numerous awards.
He is survived by sisters, Doris M.E. Rodd of Mound, Jeanette (Leroy) Entinger of Buffalo, sister-in-law, Delores Czech Tonsberg of Maple Plain, nieces and nephews and many relatives and friends. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Doris Marjorie; brother, Marlyn; brother, Donald; brother in law, Charles Rodd; and his special buddy, Blackie.
The family is especially appreciative of the thoughtful concerns and kindness of Dennis Larson and Leonard Kaisalahti.

Anderson, Lawrence “Larry” 82, of Cokato, passed away 2/16/2020, At St. Cloud Hospital. Survived by: wife Rosie of Cokato, Son Jim (Jan) Anderson of Elk River. Daughter-in-law Melissa Anderson of Monticello. 7 Grand and 2 great grand children. Funeral service 1 PM Friday, 2/21/2020, at Evangelcial Lutheran Church of Cokato. Visitation 4-7 PM on Thursday, at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato and 1hr prior to service at church on Friday. Interment Church Cemetery.

Lawrence Edward Ole “Larry” Anderson was born in Cokato, Minnesota on April 20, 1937 to Clarence E. and Ardiana (Nelson) Anderson. He was baptized and confirmed at Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cokato. He grew up in Cokato and graduated from Cokato High School in 1955. In the Spring of 1955, he joined the Naval Air Reserve, and proudly served for 8 years.
On October 6, 1956, Larry married Roselene Nolan. They were blessed with 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; and had been happily married for over 63 years at the time of Larry’s passing.
Shortly after getting married, Larry went to work for Stan Hagstrom at the White Front in Cokato, where he learned the butchering and meat cutting trade. He was the police officer in Cokato for approximately 6 years, and worked part time as a carpenter for Don Johnson, and at Johnson Machine Shop. He returned to the meat cutting trade for over 30 years, working at Country Club Markets and Cub Foods in the metro area before retiring in 2000.
Larry’s greatest love was time spent with Rosie and his entire family. He and Rosie were always in attendance at their children’s and grandchildren’s various sporting, music, drama and other activities over the years. He enjoyed camping and travel, reading, motorcycling, country dancing, woodworking, and was an avid golfer after retirement.
Larry passed away at the St. Cloud Hospital on February 16, 2020. He had reached the age of 82 years, 9 months and 26 days. Larry is survived by wife Roselene of Cokato; Son Jim (Jan) Anderson of Elk River; Daughter-in-Law Melissa Anderson of Monticello; Grandchildren: Kelsey (Scott) McDonald of Ft. Worth, Texas; Canaan Anderson of Elk River; Kenzie Anderson of Elk River; Cassandra (Ryan) Holt of Big Lake; Brenyn (Jamie) Anderson of Monticello; Myranda (Nicholas) Bomersine of Smithfield, Virginia; Nelson Anderson of Monticello; Great Granddaughters: Charlie Ann Holt and Everly Reese Anderson; and Sister Sharon (David) Moist of London, Arkansas .
Larry was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Ardiana, daughter Laramie Rose, son Jerrill Lawrence, grandson Daryn, and stepsister Donna Voelcker

Edna “Lorraine” Swenson Elmquist, age 92, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior at Cokato Manor on January 23rd in Cokato, MN. Lorraine was was born on September 11, 1927 in Clayton, WI to Anton and Ruth (Blomquist) Swenson. She moved to a farm near Kandiyohi, MN when she was nine years old and graduated from Willmar High School in 1945. She was in the first graduating class from Rice Memorial Hospital’s LPN nursing school and worked as an LPN at Rice Memorial (Willmar) and Cloquet Memorial Hospitals. She also spent a winter working in Waco, Texas. Lorraine married Willard (Bill) Elmquist in 1953. To this union four children were born. The family moved to Cloquet, MN in 1957, where she remained after the death of her husband Bill in 1990. She moved back to Kandiyohi in 2005 and enjoyed traveling to visit family, taking her grandchildren on road-trips to Montana and winter getaways to Arizona with her brother Arnold and his wife Kathryn. She spent her later years at Lakeview Ranch in Dassel, Cedar Crest in Cosmos, Prairie Senior Cottage in Willmar and Cokato Manor. Lorraine had a beautiful soprano voice and sang at many weddings, funerals and church services. She was nicknamed the “Soul Singer.” As Alzheimer’s disease stole more and more of her mind and memories, the lyrics of her beloved hymns remained with her. Even in the end when words failed her, she continued to hum along in alto or high tenor. She was known for her delicious Swedish Rye Bread and Swedish Tea Rings, which her grandchildren called “Grandma Cake.”Lorraine was a beautiful seamstress, sewing several wedding and bridesmaid dresses and even a down jacket with her son David. She was on a bowling league for many years and enjoyed playing cards. She was also an avid Twins fan. Lorraine is survived by her brother, Kenneth (Lorraine) Swenson; her children, James Elmquist, David (Colleen) Elmquist, Barbara (Mark) Gustafson and Scott (Nancy) Elmquist; her grandchildren, Sarah Squires, William Elmquist, Amy (Erik) Hartsoch, Eric (April) Elmquist and Seth (Nicole) Elmquist; her great grandchildren, Ben, Jacob, Michael and Ellery Harstsoch and Madilynn, Miles and Mack Elmquist and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Willard, grandson David, sister Florence Erickson and brother Arnold Swenson, in-laws Alton Erickson, Kathryn Swenson, Walter & Hazel Johnson, Harold & Gladys Brandt and John and Muriel Elmquist. Lorraine trusted Christ Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was very active in Tripolis Lutheran and St. Paul’s Lutheran Churches. She was kind and generous to all and a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be greatly missed. Blessed be her memory. A funeral service will be held at Tripolis Lutheran Church, Kandiyohi, MN on Friday, January 31st at 11:00. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.