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Eleanor J. Burkstrand Obituary – 10/16/07


Eleanor Jeanette Burkstrand, age 93, of Cokato, died Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the Cokato Manor.

She was born June 18, 1914 to Albert and Edna (Bollman) Johnson in Stockholm Township. Eleanor grew up on the family farm, and was baptized and confirmed at Stockholm Lutheran Church.

Eleanor attended North Grass Lake School. As children, grandma lived with the family. They only spoke Swedish in the home, so when Eleanor went to school, that was the only language she could speak.

Eleanor was married to Clifford Burkstrand Dec. 17, 1939 at the Stockholm Lutheran Church parsonage. She spent her entire life on the farm in Stockholm, raising their family there.

Eleanor enjoyed raising her children, cooking, gardening, embroidery, and canning. A lifelong member of the Stockholm Lutheran Church, rural Cokato, she was a very active member, taking part in Bible study and the birthday club.

Eleanor is survived by her children, Darrel (Darlene) of Crystal, Richard (Gail) of Andover, Dennis (Barbara) of Hutchinson, Duane (Nancy) of Cokato, Diane (Charles) Nichols of Brooklyn Center, and Debbie (Greg) Eckblad of Buffalo; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sister Betty (Art) Hermansen; sister-in-law Irene Johnson; three nieces; one nephew; and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a brother, Louis Johnson.

Funeral services took place Saturday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Stockholm Lutheran Church of Cokato with Minister Signe Gray, A.i.M. officiating. Music was provided by Karen Anderson. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Visitation was Friday, Oct. 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., and continued Friday one hour prior to the services at the church.

Casket bearers were Brent Burkstrand, Brian Burkstrand, Jared Burkstrand, John Burkstrand, Peter Burkstrand, and Tim Burkstrand. Honorary bearers were Tricia Porter, Terri Simmerman, Christine Iles, Angela Lenz, Stacy Londeerville, Jessica Nichols, Stephanie Nichols, and Martina Nichols.

Arrangements were by the Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato.

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