​​Audrey Ryti Tack grew up in Cokato primarily in the house that was next to the Green Giant Canning plant (today it sits between Dollar General and ProCare along Highways 12). The Ryti family moved into the house around 1930.  Audrey stated that most families in the area had boys, with only the Bergstrom girls that were nearby for her to play with. Audrey remembered having to cross the  railroad tracks on her walk to and from school.  At lunchtime, she would have to return home because there were no lunches served at school. Girls at that time wore saddle shoes, skirts, and occasionally slacks. They also did not wear T-shirts, mainly blouses and sweaters with dickie collars.  Jeans did not come into fashion until after World War II.

Written by former Cokato Museum Director Irene Bender

​ The Cokato Museum has lost a wonderful friend. Margaretha Hedblom used wonderful to describe everything about Cokato. She gave meaning to Ha'lsa Dem Darhemma (Greet the folks at home). Margaretha Hedblom, a teacher, researcher, genealogist, tour director and director of the Kulture Center in Malung, Sweden, became the best ambassador for the Cokato Museum. Most of all, as director of the Cokato Museum, I was privileged to become her friend for forty years as she connected local people to their relatives in Sweden and brought many tours to the museum. She had endless energy as she made the heritage, we share come alive. She passed away January 31, 2024, Malung, Sweden.

The Dassel-Cokato Softball team started in 1973. Since then, the team has made it to the State Tournament three times: 1996, 1999, and in 2024.

​In 1996 the Dassel Cokato softball team went to state for the first time in the program’s history. The girls’ record that year was 16-3, and they defeated Rockford in the section champion-ship to advance to state. The team unfortunately lost two close games at state, but teammates Kristi Smith, Jennifer Hillmann, and Amanda Erickson earned All-Conference hon-ors. The team was coached by John Riewer and was com-prised of Emily Kastamo, Kristi Nyman, Lisa Niskanen, Ro-chelle Bollman, Blacke Guenningsman, Katie Keranen. Kristi Smith, Jennifer Jose, Jennifer Hillmann, Jolene Otteson, Leah Martinson, Melissa Woetzel, Alison Kern, Amanda Er-ickson, Amanda Berggren.