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Velda Marie Laine Obituary – 08/15/08


Velda Marie Laine, age 80, of Buffalo, formerly of Cokato, died Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at the Sunrise Cottages in Buffalo.

She was born July 27, 1928, in Johnson, Kans., to Albert and Eva (Henry) Cochran.

Velda married Neil Laine Nov. 24, 1945, in Orofino, Idaho. Remaining in Idaho, Velda graduated from Kooskia High School in 1946.

She continued her education, graduating from Lewis and Clark University in Lewiston, Idaho in 1981, with a degree in English. While living in Lewiston, Velda worked as a bank accountant and teller.

She lived in Kansas, Montana, and Idaho before moving to Cokato.

Velda and Odvar Hjelmeland were united in marriage at the North Crow River Lutheran Church Nov. 11, 1989.

Velda was a member of the VFW and DAV Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband, Odvar Hjelmeland of Cokato; daughter Ann (Scott) Brainard of Lewiston, Idaho; brother Art Cochran of Lewiston, Idaho; stepchildren: Steven Hjelmeland of Buffalo, Kathy (Mike) Froslie of Big Stone City, S.D., Eric Hjelmeland of Jordan, Rodney (Renee) Hjelmeland of California, Tim (Linda Tillman) Hjelmeland of St. Cloud, Lori (John) Seppala of Buffalo, and Joel (Cheryl) Hjelmeland of Wayzata; two grandchildren; 22 step-grandchildren; and 32 step-great-grandchildren.

Velda was preceded in death by her first husband, Neil Laine; parents Albert and Eva Cochran; brothers Dale, Howard, and Robert; and sisters Mildred and Nadine.

The funeral service took place Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. at North Crow River Lutheran Church, rural Cokato, with the Rev. Michael Nelson officiating. Music was provided by Shawn Hjelmeland and Lynda Peterson. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Casket bearers were Steven Hjelmeland, Eric Hjelmeland, Timothy Hjelmeland, Joel Hjelmeland, Mike Froslie, John Seppala, and Rodney Hjelmeland.

Arrangements were with the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato.

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