Herald Journal Publishing

Publisher of Herald Journal, Dassel-Cokato Enterprise Dispatch, Delano Herald Journal, McLeod County Chronicle, Arlington Enterprise, & West Carver News

Dorothy E. Cochran Obituary – 10/1/16


Dorothy Emily (Asplund) Cochran, age 95, of Howard Lake, passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, with her family by her side.

She was born Oct. 28, 1920, in Dassel, to Benjamin and Ann (Jerabek) Asplund; their oldest child and only girl, followed by seven brothers.

Dorothy was raised in Dassel, and graduated from Dassel High School in 1937.

She married Arnold Ernest Cochran Dec. 14, 1940, and they welcomed four children into their lives; Judith, Janet, Gary, and John.

The couple lived and farmed in the Howard Lake area, moving to town after their children were grown.

Dorothy had a strong work ethic and held various jobs throughout the years, including “farm hand” at home. After raising her family, she worked at a sewing factory, as a lunchroom/school aide, and was a babysitter and “nanny” for many.

Her most important “job” was being a good wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend; and a good and faithful servant, serving as a member of First Presbyterian Church of Howard Lake for many years.

Dorothy always enjoyed time with her loved ones, and she made new friends easily and accepted everyone. She liked to socialize and visit, sharing stories and sharing her faith, along with many other gifts, treasures and talents.

Her interests included cooking, canning, baking (the best sugar cookies), gardening and caring for her plants, sewing and embroidery, listening to music and the radio news, playing games or working on puzzles, and proudly supporting the USA and members of the military (especially her sons and family members in the military). She also enjoyed following the Minnesota Twins, and her grandchildren’s activities, always cheering them on.

Dorothy enjoyed any kind of celebration or family get-together; going to fairs, parades, theatre plays, shopping and eating out, Community Ed. and weekend trips, and recalling the past, especially with trips to the historical society.

Dorothy always declared her faith, and felt very blessed, despite the many trials and hardships she endured, including her own health concerns and many losses over the years. She appreciated what she had, living a simple life, and never even driving a car.

Dorothy maintained a busy and active lifestyle, as her health allowed. She lived alone for 38 years after her husband passed away in 1976; then moved into an apartment, and finally the Howard Lake Care Center in 2014, still maintaining a positive attitude and active lifestyle the best she could.

Dorothy is survived by a daughter, Judy (Glenn) Mallak; son-in-law Laurel Anderson; daughter-in-law Karlen Cochran; grandchildren Lisa (Brad) Jurek, Jeff (Julie) Mallak, Brad (Leah) Mallak, Eric (Nikki) Mallak, Ryan Mallak (Tricia Loxtercamp), Chris Anderson (Marlena Mogensen), Dawn (Jerome) Lindquist, Ann Horrmann (Kurt Potvin), Justine (Keith) Damlow, Amy Peters (Jon Brilowski), Beth Cochran, and Mindy (Bob) Verhasselt and their families, including 25 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren (with a sixth due March 2017).

She is further survived by her brothers David (Lorraine) Asplund, and Robert Asplund; and many other family members and friends.

In addition to her husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by a daughter Janet; sons Gary and John; great-grandson Erik Horrmann; great-great-granddaughter Talon Jade Dressel; her parents; brothers Darrell, Richard, Donald, John, and Bill Asplund; sisters-in-law Martha and Rosella Asplund; and many Cochran in-laws, other family and friends.

A celebration of her life took place Thursday, Oct. 6 at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Howard Lake, with special friend Pastor Jacob Van Pernis officiating. Interment was at the Highland Cemetery, Howard Lake.

There was visitation Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m at the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

Dorothy’s grandsons and grandsons-in-law were her pallbearers; and her great-grandchildren were honorary pallbearers.

Arrangements were with Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake; www.swansonpeterson.com.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.