Obituaries 01/12/23
John Anderson, 96
John Godfrey Anderson, age 96, of Otsego, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
He was born on November 2, 1926, in Birchdale Township, Todd County, Minnesota, son of Godfrey and Grace (Lockead) Anderson.
John was united in marriage to Della (Bell) on September 9, 1950.
Together, they raised their five children on their farm in Otsego, where he farmed for 65 years.
He was employed as an inspector at Hoffman Engineering for 30 years.
John is survived by his loving wife, Della; children, Marty Anderson, Sherri Anderson (Jim Burzinski), Jane McAlpine, and Wendy (Tony) McAlpine; 12 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his twin brother, James Anderson; son, Randy Anderson; and grandson, Ryan Anderson.
Services will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at The Peterson Chapel, St Michael. Visitation at 9:30 A.M. Funeral service at 11:00 A.M., luncheon to follow.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
Arnold Bonstrom, 83
Arnold “Arnie” George Bonstrom, age 83, of St. Louis Park, MN, passed away January 1, 2023.
Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. Preceded in death by wife, Karen; parents, George and Bernice (Ordorff) Bonstrom; sister and brother, Shirley Triplett and Maurice Bonstrom.
Survived by children, Pam (Joe) Mueller, of Excelsior, MN, Greg (Terri) Bonstrom, of Boise, ID, and Erik (Kia) Bonstrom, of Gambrills, MD; grandchildren, Matt and Rob Mueller, James Bonstrom, and Sara Walsh; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Annie Bonstrom; and many other relatives and close friends.
He worked at Electric Machinery for over 40 years and retired 21 years ago. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and going up north.
Funeral service was held Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at The Peterson Chapel (119 Central Ave., Buffalo, MN). Interment with military honors will follow at Zion Cemetery in Buffalo.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Irene Burke, 81
Irene M. Burke, age 81, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2022, at Parkview Care Center in Buffalo.
Irene was active in St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, until she moved to Parkview. She was an active member of the Knittin Kittens club where she contributed many hours collecting and sorting yarn and knitting many prayer shawls. She was most proud of her grandkids and great-grandkids.
Irene is survived by her two daughters Melissa (Steve) Stone, of Montrose, MN, and Marie Anderson, of Waverly, MN; five grandchildren, Steven (Kristin) Stone, of Delano, Colette Stone, of Montrose, Amy Bosco, of Kansas City, MO, Casey (Gabrielle) Stroad, Montrose, MN, Sam Stroad, Winsted, MN; seven great-grandchildren, Carson Coltin and Emilia Stone, Madison and Easton Willer and Brooklyn and Evelyn Stroad.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Burke; parents, Walter and Mary Johnson, of Chisholm, MN; siblings, Maryanne Fannell, Walter (Sonny) Johnson; and her son, Jerry Halberg.
Services will be held on January 21 at St Francis of Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Visitation is at 10:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. A small luncheon will be served at her daughter’s home in Montrose.
Inurnment will take place in Chisholm, MN, at a later date.
Special thanks to the staff at Parkview Care Center who lovingly cared for her for eight-and-a-half years and to St Croix Hospice service who helped her through her final weeks.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Norman Duske, 85
Norman Leonard Duske, age 85, of Montrose, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, of heart problems.
He was born on June 23, 1937, in rural Maple Lake, Albion Township, the son of Herbert and Helen (Mahlstedt) Duske.
Norman was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville Township. He was also instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith on July 15, 1951. His confirmation memory verse was Philippians 1:2 “Grace be onto you, and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”
On June 11. 1960, Norman L. Duske and Joel K. Borg were joined in holy marriage in Montrose. God blessed their marriage with three children.
The family farm was purchased in 1958, and the cows came in the spring of 1959. Norman enjoyed farming. He was a lifetime farmer.
He bought his first Oliver tractor brand new in Montrose in 1957. He still owns it. He enjoyed pulling in antique tractor pulls.
Norman and Joel’s family was named Wright County Farm Family in 1995.
Through the years, Norman was involved in The Northland Oliver Club, DHIA (former local President), Mid Am, and in The North Franklin Farm Bureau.
Norman was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose. He served his congregation as a Trustee, as an Elder, and was a former Congregational President.
Survived by his loving wife of sixty-two years, Joel K. Duske; children, Greg (Jody) Duske, of Delano, Brad (Stacy) Duske, of Montrose, and Kathy Duske, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Adam and Taylor Duske, Emilee Duske (Nolan Downes), Jenna and Adam Woitalla; Ryan Duske (fiancé, Stephanie Johnson), Kaitlin and Sean Schleif and Evan Duske (Julia Frick), Josh and Melissa Miller and Jeb Miller (fiancé, Camille Hedlund); six great-grandchildren; brothers, Clifford (Wendy) Duske and Keith (Kathy) Duske, all of Waverly; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Karen Duske and Jim (Kathy) Ramthun, all of Montrose, John (Doris) Borg, of Maple Lake, Jim (Carol) Borg, Clifford Borg and Shirley Borg, all of Waverly; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Stanley Duske; sisters, Muriel Ramthun, Ardis (Ellsworth) Mauk and Carol (Orville) Horsch.
Funeral Services for Norman Duske will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose. Pastor James Grabitske will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 12, from 4-8 P.M. AT THE CHURCH. A Prayer service will be held at 7:00 P.M.
Further visitation will be held on Friday morning, January 13, one hour prior to services at the church.
Casket Bearers will be Curt Duske, Scott Duske, Joe Mauk, Eric Duske, Doug Duske, and Dale Baumann.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
LeRoy Elfmann, 72
LeRoy Edwin Elfmann, age 72, of Maple Lake, Minnesota, passed away January 6, 2023.
He was born on September 28, 1950, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Edwin and Olga (Bartels) Elfmann. LeRoy grew up in Maple Lake on the family farm and graduated from Maple Lake High School with the class of 1968.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. While in the military, he was assigned to Guam, Cambodia, Hungary, and Finland. His military career spanned over 20 years, and he was honorably discharged with the ranking of Chief Warrant Officer 3. He also traveled extensively around the world while still in the military working for the Defense Intelligence Agency. He traveled to 67 countries over his lifetime. LeRoy met his future wife, Mary O’Connell, in Singapore where they were married on February 26, 1977.
Between overseas tours, they made their home in Arlington, Virginia, until their retirement in 2011. Once retired, they came back to Maple Lake, Minnesota. LeRoy and Mary belonged to County Line Squares, a square dance club, based in Monticello. LeRoy held various leadership positions in Square Dance Minnesota, a state-wide organization. Together, they attended many dances throughout the state of Minnesota. They also attended five national square dance conventions around the United States. LeRoy spent free time organizing his family’s genealogy. He was always interested in farming. When he came back to Minnesota, he spent many hours planting and harvesting crops with his nephews on their farm.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Olga; brother, Alvin; brother-in-law, Russ Paumen; and sister-in-law, Mary.
LeRoy is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Mary; siblings, Martha Paumen, Edgar Elfmann, and Linda (Joe) Hruby; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Elfmann and Christine (Mark Reese) O’Connell; and many nieces, nephews, and other cherished relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Parkinson’s Disease Association: Minnesota Chapter (www.apdaparkinson.org).
Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 26, 2023, from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. with military honors taking place at 6:00 P.M. all at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN (119 Central Ave).
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Florence Gutzwiller, 99
Florence Olive (Micheau) Gutzwiller, age 99, of St. Michael, Minnesota, passed away on January 6, 2023, surrounded by her family.
She was born on April 23, 1923, in Elk River, MN, to Alexander and Julia (Belanger) Michaeu.
On May 30, 1944, she married Hermes Gutzwiller at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dayton, MN. Together, they raised eight children.
Florence cherished her role as a wife and mother to her children above all others, and she loved her family unconditionally. She was devoted to caring for them and always made sure she was present in their lives. The best was yet to come when she became a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. Florence’s selfless, gentle and caring nature served as a model for the younger generations of her family to emulate. She was happiest and most content when surrounded by loved ones at events that allowed her whole family to come together.
Known for her incredible baking skills and delicious homemade treats, Florence became an honorary grandma to generations of friends and neighbors in her role as Grandma Cookie, a name affectionately given to her by children in the Gutzwiller Park area of St. Michael who came to visit, explore her old farmhouse, play games, and enjoy a homemade cookie. Besides her famous cookies, she made wedding and birthday cakes, peanut butter rolls, and homemade pretzels. Florence could effortlessly whip up meals to serve a large group, and she put all of her love and care into the recipes she made. Florence also enjoyed quilting, working on embroidery projects, and tending her flower and vegetable gardens.
In addition to her family, Florence’s faith also played an instrumental role in her life. She was a lifelong member of St. Michael Catholic Church and volunteered many hours as a rosary leader, communion distributor, and lector. She was part of the Christian Mothers group and served as a cook at the Catholic school. She strove to give back to her church community as much as she could.
Florence is preceded in death by her husband, Hermes; great-grandchild, Addy Mae; parents, Alexander and Julia Micheau; siblings, Oliver (Mae) Micheau, Ray (Alice) Micheau, Elsie (Maurice) Tiernan, Floyd Micheau, and Rita (Arnold) Robeck; in-laws, Meralda Brandon, Clarence (Coletta) Gutzwiller, Lavina (Harold) Scherber, Sally (Sig) Ronning, Omer Gutzwiller, Sarah (Marvin) Scherber, and Mercedes (Lyell) Hickler.
She is survived by her children, Arvid (Bonnie), Annette (Paul) Goeb, Joan (Michael) Neros, Gerald, Gregory (Zona), Gary (Theresa), Clarice (John) Cox, and Camille (Steven) Marx; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN (11300 Frankfort Pkwy. NE). Interment to follow at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Michael Catholic School or your favorite charity of choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Jerome “Jerry” Kelly, 84
Jerome “Jerry” William Kelly, age 84, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away January 6, 2023, surrounded by his family.
He was born on June 29, 1938, in Brandon, Minnesota, to Michael and Laura (Kapphahn) Kelly; he was the youngest of ten children. He attended and graduated from both Brandon High School and St. John’s University, and had attended St. John’s Seminary as well.
On November 23, 1972, he was joined in marriage to Sharon Catherine Beissel. Together, they raised their son, Timothy in Buffalo, MN.
Jerry spent many years working with the physically and mentally challenged at Functional Industries and then became a machinist. After retiring from full-time employment, Jerry devoted hours and years as manager and volunteer at the Buffalo Food Shelf. He received the WCCO Good Neighbor Award and the Nancy Campbell Award from the Buffalo Food Shelf for his dedication.
Jerry reached out to the elderly and needy by coordinating the Befrienders program for a number of years at St. Francis Xavier Church in Buffalo, where he was a member since 1974. Jerry found his joy in serving others.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Laura Kelly; and siblings, Winifred, Sister Kathleen, OSF, Mary Spielmann, Patricia Good, Rene Reber, Michael “Mickey,” Mark, Warren, and Austin.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; son, Tim (Joyce Kurpiers); in-laws, Kent and Judy Beissel; many nieces and nephews; and special friend, Dennis Honigs.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church – Buffalo, MN. Inurnment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Buffalo. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Buffalo Food Shelf or donor’s charity of choice.
A special thank you goes to Brighton Hospice and The Glenn Cottages Memory Care staff for their care for Jerry and his family.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com
Janis Olson, 76
Janis (“Jan”) Jean Olson, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on January 2, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 76. Jan was born in Minneapolis, MN, on August 7, 1946, to parents Odin and Jean Melgaard. Her family lived in Rogers, MN, until moving to Buffalo when she was seven. Jan graduated from Buffalo High School in 1964. She attended Mankato State before returning to Buffalo and working at an orthopedic clinic. On January 21, 1967, Jan was joined in holy marriage to Marlowe W. Anderson at Zion Lutheran Church and moved to Lake Pulaski in Buffalo later that year. God blessed their marriage with three children, Stephanie, Leslie, and Hunter. Jan played a critical role as partner in Marlowe’s business, Buffalo Refrigeration, and she also owned and operated her own fabric store, Jan’s Fabrics. Jan and her family enjoyed their life together on Lake Pulaski – hosting many gatherings for friends, family, and neighbors while enjoying many beautiful sunsets overlooking the west side of the lake.
After 27 years of marriage, Marlowe passed away in 1994. On January 17, 1998, Jan married Eldon Olson at Buffalo Covenant Church. Jan and Eldon enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Arizona, and spending time with their grandchildren. After moving to the other side of Lake Pulaski, Jan continued to host her friends, family, and neighbors and was able to enjoy all the amazing sunrises now overlooking the east side of the lake.
Jan had countless interests… sewing, baking, driving, maintaining her perfect yard, splitting wood, life on Lake Pulaski, but what she loved most was spending time with her family. She was dedicated, faithful, and compassionate, and truly had a servant’s heart. Jan was baptized and believed in Jesus, and today she is in her heavenly home. This gift of faith given to her by the Lord sustained her throughout all her days on earth, particularly in her journey through her cancer diagnosis and treatment. She was a shining light for others to see, and we look forward to seeing her again on the Last Day when Jesus returns. Amen.
Jan is preceded in death by her parents, Odin and Jean Melgaard; in-laws, Fred and Bernice Anderson; first husband, Marlowe; and second husband, Eldon; sister-in-law, Adrienne Melgaard.
Survived by brother, Gerard Melgaard; children, Stephanie (Mike) Shaffer, Leslie Anderson, Hunter (Dawn) Anderson; brother-in-law, Kent Anderson; Terri (Reid) Gilbert, Dan (Andra) Olson, Mark (Thona) Olson, Julie (Dennis) Lingo; nephew, Hans (Jeani) Melgaard; and niece, Camille (Ian) MacCallum; 15 grandchildren, Jennie (Brian), Lindsey, Emily, Audrey, Michael (Gayle), Allie (Sam), Erik (Katie), Thomas (Kellie), Kirsten, Matt (Mollie), Luke, Andrew, Sam, Wyatt, and Macie; 10 great-grandchildren, Henrik, Magnus, Sky, Sula, Gordie, Marin, Roman, Bode, Sage, and Eliza.
Visitation was held Thursday, January 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Buffalo Covenant Church. Memorial service was held Friday, January 6, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Buffalo Covenant Church in Buffalo, MN. The Peterson Chapel Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, thepetersonchapel.com.
Ellen Paul, 82
Ellen May Paul, age 82, of St. Paul, died peacefully in her Highland Park home, Tuesday morning, January 3, 2023.
Born on November 21, 1940, in Dennison, Minnesota, Ellen was the daughter of Fulton and Vera (Fremouw) Elstad.
She graduated from Faribault High School. While working in Minneapolis, she met Kenneth F. Paul of Eden Valley. They married on September 16, 1961, and eventually made their home in Norwood Young America. They have five children, Elizabeth, Jennifer, William, Jane, and Nathan.
While caring for her children, Ellen worked with Ken at their funeral homes in Norwood/Young America and in Lester Prairie. After selling their funeral homes,
they called Buffalo, Minnesota, home for a number of years. Ellen eventually relocated to Highland Park in Saint Paul.
She was a master gardener and loved spending time with Nathan, grandkids, and great-grandkids in her beautiful gardens. She enjoyed reading, writing poetry, painting, and listening to music. More than anything, Ellen delighted in being a mom, a nana, and a great-nana. She was a devoted sister, auntie, and friend. Ellen was generous with her time and talents to all who came across her path.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Paul, of Buffalo; their children, Elizabeth Joan Paul, of Lake Elmo, Jennifer (Nick) Mancini, of Bayport, William Paul, of Minnetonka, Jane (Shawn) Engle, of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Nathan Paul, of Highland Park; grandchildren, Kit and Andrew Haveles, Louisa Resner and Adam Riley, Ryan Paul, Darby McMullen Brown, Vera McMullen Paul, Thomas Mitchell, Grant Mitchell, Claire and Hannah Crain, Will Engle, Maddy Engle, and Lucy Engle; great-grandchildren, Graham and Solvi Haveles. She is also survived by her siblings, Geraldine (Hank) Dotzler, of Lakeville, Richard (Diane) Elstad, of Wabasha, Virginia Sartor, of Faribault, Kathryn (David) Wagner, of Tower, Jane Elstad, of Waterville, Jean Woznak, of Medford, and Laurel (Keith) Remund, of Waseca; brother-in-law, Bruce Neale, of Denver, CO; sisters-in-law, Janette Elstad, of Warsaw, Elaine Elstad, of Cannon Falls, and Linda Elstad, of Burnsville; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mildred and Frank Paul; siblings, Marilyn Neale, Joyce Waslie, Robert Elstad, and Carmen Elstad; sisters-in-law, Alice Elstad and Margaret Elstad; and brother-in-law, Bill Sartor.
Mass of Christian Burial for Ellen Paul was held Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Interment followed at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Father Nathaniel Meyers was the Celebrant.
Visitation was held at the church, Tuesday, January 10, 2023, from 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Suggested donations in lieu of flowers are to Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis or the MN Landscape Arboretum.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo MN assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Aaron Reese, 90
Aaron Clifford Reese, age 90, of Buffalo, MN, and formerly of Granite Falls, MN, passed away on Saturday January 7, 2023, at the Buffalo Hospital. He was born on November 8, 1932, in Morton, MN, the son of Clifford E. and Florence (Lothert) Reese.
Aaron was baptized and confirmed in Morton, MN.
Aaron honorably served his Country in The United States Army serving in the Korean war.
On September 8, 1957, Aaron Reese and Elaine I. Steinke were united in marriage at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Madison, MN. God blessed their marriage with five children.
Aaron was employed at Plews in Granite Falls, MN, for 33 years in the shipping and receiving dept. where he received an award for never missing a day of work. Aaron also loved music, and played in two bands, the Minnesota Derbbies and The Polka Wranglers; he also enjoyed playing at numerous barn and wedding dances. Aaron was also very active with his family, taking them on vacations when possible and he had a passion for fishing.
Aaron was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Granite Falls, MN, and currently a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN.
Aaron is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Elaine; children, Tom Reese, of Granite Falls, MN, Greg (Kathleen) Reese, of New Palestine, IN, Deb (Mike) Risa, of Clarkfield, MN, Todd (LaRee), of Waverly, MN, Julie (Tim) Gerdes, of Breezy Point, MN; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lorraine Kohout and Carol (Jim) Seehusen; sister-in-law, Donna Reese; other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Stanley and Leland Reese, sister Marlene Kohout, granddaughter Chelsey, and great granddaughter Lilly.
A memorial service for Aaron will be held on Friday January 13, 2023, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Ryan Clark will officiate.
A private Inurnment will be held at a later date at Minnesota Veteran’s Cemetery Camp Ripley, MN.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Roy Skoog, 95
Roy Ernest Skoog, age 95, passed away on January 5, 2023, at Engel Haus Assisted Living in Albertville, Minnesota. He was born in Virginia, Minnesota, on November 15, 1927. The third child of Saima and Olaf Skoog, Roy’s early years on the family farm in Wolf Lake were character-building. While his father was in a sanitarium with tuberculosis, Roy bonded with his brothers over barn chores, chopping wood, and helping his mother run the household.
Born with a cleft palate and a lifelong speech impediment, strangers might have considered him a man of few words. But to friends and family, Roy was a robust storyteller. At age 32, he met and married a social butterfly, Mary Ruonavaara, and together they raised nine children. He was known to have a sweet tooth, and Mary enabled this by making sure that the cookie jar was never empty.
Retiring in 1989, he spent hours in the wood shop making chairs, clocks, and mirrors by the dozen and gifting them to his children and grandchildren. Roy enjoyed reading the newspaper and books on American history. His days centered around coffee and cookie breaks at the kitchen table with “Ma.” But the highlight of his retirement years were long road trips zig-zagging the country visiting friends and family with Mary by his side. He delighted in watching grandchildren play on his living room floor.
The Gospel of the forgiveness of sins was his source of strength and what he leaned on until the end of his earthly life. Roy and Mary had a home where visitors were always welcome and were accepted as they were.
Roy is survived by nine children, Juliana (Gerald) Johnson, of Skanee, Michigan, Janet (Karl) Niemela, of Lake Stevens, Washington, Thomas (Janet) Skoog, of Otsego, Minnesota, Dale (Laura) Skoog, of Rogers, Minnesota, Darlene (Tim) Sutinen, of Phoenix, Arizona, Andrew (Hanna) Skoog, of Waverly, Minnesota, Wayne (Susan) Skoog, of Greenfield, Minnesota, Annemarie (Steve) Jones, of Longview, Washington, and Jennifer Skoog, of New York, New York; 66 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren; siblings, Arthur Skoog and Esther (John) Martin; sister-in-law, Edna Skoog.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Skoog; parents, Olaf and Saima Skoog; brothers, Walter, Rudolph, Kenneth, and Harvey Skoog; and grandchildren, Brady Alan Niemela and Ashley Rose Johnson.
Visitation was held from 5:30 – 8 P.M., with 7 P.M. prayer on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church and continued at 10:00 A.M. on January 10, 2023, followed by the funeral at 11:00am. Burial followed services at the Finnish Cemetery in Cokato, Minnesota.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, MN 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com.