Hazel Anderson, 86
Hazel Irene Anderson, 86, Hoffman, died Friday, September 4, 2009 at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria.
Hazel Irene Anderson, 86, Hoffman, died Friday, September 4, 2009 at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria.
Hazel was born March 20, 1923 on a farm near Kensington to Herman and Lydia (Nelson) Hedin. She was baptized and confirmed in Bethel Lutheran Church of Hoffman. The family moved to Hoffman where Hazel started 1st grade. She did not speak English but spoke Swedish when she started school. he graduated from Hoffman High School and started working as a clerk in Ted Larson’s grocery and dry goods store in Hoffman. When the Larsons opened a store in Paynesville, Hazel moved and worked for them.
Hazel was united in marriage to Elroy Anderson at Bethel Lutheran Church in Hoffman on October 14, 1945. They lived in Denver, Colorado, where Elroy was stationed during World War II. During that time, Hazel worked as a maid and nanny for General Quaid at the Fitzsimmons Medical Center.
After the war, the couple returned to the area. They lived on a farm by the Chippewa River east of Hoffman where they raised their three daughters, Beverly, Barbara and Carol. Hazel returned to clerking at Mattson’s Grocery Store in Hoffman in addition to being a homemaker. Learning was very important to Hazel, and she was very proud that all three of their daughters became teachers. In 1976 they built a home in town, which has been their family home to date.
As a Hoffman community member for 80 years, Hazel was very active in the American Legion Auxiliary and in her church. When her daughters were young she was a leader in 4-H and Girl Scouts. Hazel and Elroy were volunteer drivers for Alpha Transit for many years. She thoroughly enjoyed homemaking, gardening, quilting and embroidery (many of the dishtowels were used as gifts). An avid sports fan, Hazel had attended basketball games since 1938. She continued to enjoy attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities.
Hazel and Elroy traveled to every state except Hawaii. Because her Swedish heritage and genealogy were so important to Hazel, they also traveled to Sweden two times.
Hazel is survived by her husband, Elroy, of Hoffman; daughters, Beverly Anderson of Maple Grove, Barbara (Chuck) Taffe of Hastings, and Carol (Paul) Anderson of Hoffman; grandchildren, Jeff (Jenni) Taffe of Phoenix, Jamie Taffe of St. Paul, Katie and Brent Anderson of Hoffman; a brother, Harris Hedin of Willmar; brothers/sisters-in-law, Rodger (Dora) Anderson of Hoffman, Ann (Jerry) Anderson of Osseo, and Mavis (Roger) Peterson of Brooklyn Park; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Lydia Hedin; sister, Luverne (Hedin) Hedstrom; brother-in-law, Robert Hedstrom; sister-in-law, Bernice Hedin; mother- and father-in-law, Henry and Esther Anderson; and nieces, Mary Hedin and Marne Anderson.
Funeral services were held Monday, September 7 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman with the Rev. Steve Olson officiating. Burial was at Bethel Cemetery in Hoffman.
Condolences may be sent online at www.EricksonSmithFH.com.
Arrangements were with Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Hoffman.
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Tags: hazel anderson, erickson smith funeral home, obituaries, anderson, alexandria, kensington, hoffman
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