Peterson Brothers Funeral Home

06/05/2026

Finding the perfect song to honor dad may feel a little bit daunting. To give you a place to start as you choose the best music for his personalized final tribute, give these 12 musical selections a listen.

Are you looking for songs to honor your dad at his funeral service? Check out these 12 songs and see if one fits yours needs.

06/03/2026

Ronald D. Gehrke

Ronald "Ron" Dale Gehrke, 93, of rural Spicer, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 26.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar with military honors provided by the Willmar American Legion Post #167. Visitation will begin at 12 noon on Friday, June 19, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. Interment will be later at the Spicer City Cemetery. www.petersonbrothers.com

Ron was born March 24, 1933, to John Paul Gehrke and Clara Elizabeth (Flickinger) Gehrke. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Willmar, graduating in 1951. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953, serving as an airplane mechanic. He was awarded the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1957. He was a member of the Spicer American Legion for over 50 years.

Ron was united in marriage to Carolyn Lee (Tostenson) Gehrke on June 21, 1969. Ron and Carolyn raised four daughters and farmed at their home in Spicer, MN, raising Great Danes, hogs, cattle, and crops. Ron worked as a mechanic at Halvorson’s in Spicer, Schwanke’s Tractor and Truck in Willmar, and Jennie-O in Willmar. Ron and Carolyn were members of Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.

Ron was always ready with a story, a word of advice, or to lend a hand. He could fix anything, had a solution for every problem, and was ready for a cup of coffee at any time. In retirement, he continued farming and working on equipment, enjoyed helping his family with projects, and made sure his grandsons were growing up right.

Ron is survived by brothers Ralph Gehrke and Amil Gehrke, daughters Margaret (Edward) Eastman, Elizabeth (Andrew) Hatfield, Debra Powell, and Vicki Krismer, and 4 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Albert Gehrke, and wife Carolyn.

View Ronald D. Gehrke's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/03/2026

Curtis John Klaphake

Curtis J. Klaphake, age 53, of rural Kerkhoven, passed away Monday, June 1, at his residence surrounded by family.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Curt was born on August 29, 1972, in Paynesville, Minnesota, the son of Leroy and Elizabeth “Betty” (Sand) Klaphake. He grew up in Albany, graduated from Albany High School in 1990 and attended Alexandria Technical College. He married Jodi Boecker and they made their home in the rural Kerkhoven community. They were blessed with two sons, Blake and Ethan and later divorced. Curt was employed at numerous agriculture and trucking jobs throughout his working career. He enjoyed fishing, farming, being outdoors and spending time with his family, friends, and canine companions.

He is survived by his fiancé, Shannon Hippe of rural Kerkhoven; his two sons, Blake (and Tiffany) Klaphake of St. Joseph and Ethan (and Kayla) Klaphake of DeGraff; four step-daughters, Michaela Hippe and Mya (and Sean) LaHoud, both of Glenwood, Julia Stewlow and Jessa Stewlow, both of Starbuck; three grandchildren, Waylon, Hayden and Everlee; and two sisters, Cindy (and Mark) Vander Weyst of Little Falls and Christy (and Duane) Wielenberg of St. Anthony; besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

View Curtis John Klaphake's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/03/2026

Roger Allen Tatge

Roger Allen Tatge, age 71, of Willmar, passed away Monday, June 1, at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 15, at the First Presbyterian Church in Willmar. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Roger was born on April 25, 1955, in Benson, Minnesota, the son of John and Lorene (Evans) Tatge. He grew up and attended school through 7th grade in Benson. In 1968, the family moved to Willmar where he graduated from Willmar High School in 1973. On July 17, 1976, Roger was united in marriage to Carol Radabaugh. They lived in the communities of Alexandria, Wahpeton, ND., and Willmar where Roger managed the Pizza Hut stores.

Roger was a long time and active member of the First Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing softball, cooking, and watching his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Whether in good times or bad, Roger was always a true Minnesota sports fan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; three children, Josh (and Kelly Osborn) Tatge of Blaine, John Tatge (and friend, Jackie) of Renville and Alicia (and Jon) Helgeson of Fargo; nine grandchildren, Ethan Towne, Kennedy Tatge, Emersen Tatge, RJ Helgeson, Jada Tatge, Henry Tatge, Austin Helgeson, Araeya Tatge and Ali Helgeson; four siblings, John Tatge of Willmar, Marge Anderson of Merritt Island, FL., Sharon (and Gary) Mages of Willmar and Dorothy (and Jeff) Gaffaney of Glenwood; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Sanchez of Yonkers, NY., and brother from another mother, Jerry (and Robin) Bulthuis of Willmar, besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, David Tatge and a brother-in-law, Dean Anderson.

View Roger Allen Tatge's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

Grief ebbs and flows, and some days can be harder than others. The anniversary of a loved one's death is one of those days. To learn 9 tips to help you cope with your loved one's deathiversary, read the article below.

The anniversary of a loved one's death can be a difficult day. Learn about 9 different ways you can cope with a loved one's deathiversary here.

05/29/2026

Eldred Anton Eischens

Eldred A. Eischens, age 99, of Spicer, passed away Thursday, May 28, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.

Arrangements are pending with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

View Eldred Anton Eischens's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/29/2026

Deloris Torguson

Deloris Torguson, age 99, of Willmar, passed away Tuesday, May 26, at Vista Prairie at Copperleaf.

Arrangements are pending with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

View Deloris Torguson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/29/2026

Patrick Michael Lawler

Patrick M. Lawler, age 77, of Pennock, passed away Thursday, May 21, at his residence under hospice care and surrounded by his loving family.

A celebration of Patrick's life will be held at a later date. Interment will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Kandiyohi. Military honors will be provided by the Willmar American Legion Post #167. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Patrick was born on August 24, 1948, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Jerome and Bernice (Lorinser) Lawler. He grew up in Willmar, was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and graduated from Willmar High School in 1966. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served 4 years at Robins AFB in Warner Robins, Georgia. After being honorably discharged, Patrick worked for Burlington Northern Railroad as a clerk until his retirement. He made his home on a hobby farm near Pennock where he enjoyed nature and its peaceful surroundings.

He is survived by five siblings, Linda Larson of St. Cloud, Jackie (and Dr. Bradley) Isaacson of Plymouth, Rick (and Terry) Lawler of Willmar, Jeff (and Valerie) Lawler of Lake Lillian and Bobbi (and Dan) Elkjer of Willmar; and brother-in-law, Rory Weiss of Willmar; besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary Weiss; two brothers, Doug and Tom Lawler; and a brother-in-law, Dwayne Larson.

View Patrick Michael Lawler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/26/2026

Sharon Marie (Hovey) Holm

Sharon M. (Hovey) Holm, age 93, of Atwater, passed away Thursday, May 21, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, where she has resided for the past three years.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by her funeral service at 12 noon on Saturday, May 30, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Atwater. Interment will be in Union Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Atwater Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Sharon Marie Hovey was born on September 2, 1932, at Litchfield Hospital, the fifth child of Irvin and Martha Hovey. She grew up on the family farm four miles south of Atwater, alongside her ten siblings. Sharon was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Atwater.

She began her education in a one-room country schoolhouse (District #42), attending for her first five years, and in 1950 graduated from Atwater High School. Sharon loved school and was active in Girls Athletic Association, cheerleading, vocal and instrumental music, and class plays. During high school she dated her sweetheart, John Holm, and the two could often be found roller skating every Wednesday and Saturday night at the Spicer Roller Rink.

One year after graduating high school, on June 10th of 1951, Sharon and John were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Following their marriage, Sharon became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she remained faithful until her passing. She served on the altar guild, participated in WELCA, chaperoned youth group trips, and sang tenor in the church choir for many years.

Growing up on the farm with a large family prepared Sharon for a life of service and care. She became the very best wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, homemaker, baker, seamstress, ironing expert, card player, and cook that any family could ask for. She enthusiastically supported and joined John in his many adventures, including hunting, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, motorcycling, fishing, traveling, and countless family gatherings at the Sommar Stuga Green Lake home.

Together, Sharon and John raised four children. She rarely missed an event involving her children and later gave that same devoted support to her grandchildren. Her family was truly her greatest joy.

She is survived by her four children: Debra (Doug) Hanson of Atwater, Vicki (Curt) Johnson of Bellevue, Nebraska, Denise (Kern) Kragenbring of Atwater, and Greg (Kimberly) Holm of Atwater; ten grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Shirley Peterson and Twyla (Jim) Ashburn; and her brothers, Glen (Marsha) Hovey and Wyman Hovey, besides other relatives and many friends.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Irvin and Martha Hovey; four brothers (Kermit, Lloyd, Ole, and Dennis) and two sisters (Norma Buer and Merilyn Johnson).

View Sharon Marie (Hovey) Holm's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.