Hazel Hanson

Hazel Caroline Hanson was born in Minneapolis, MN. She was the daughter of Nels and Charlotte Nelson. At four years old Hazel and her Swedish born parents visited Sweden for two years. Upon returning to the United States, she lived in Minneapolis and graduated from Central High School. After graduation she worked as a waitress and helped her mother and aunt manage a boarding house. On September 16, 1937 Hazel was united in marriage to Philip Hanson from Brandon. During World War II Philip served in the Navy and Hazel lived with a friend while their husbands were in the service. Hazel and Philip lived in St. Louis Park and were blessed with two children, Pauline and Barbara. After the children were grown she worked a number of different jobs including selling women?s clothing, a seamstress for a bridal shop and worked for several years in the lunchroom at Valley View Junior High in Edina. She and Philip also sponsored her cousin Martha, from Sweden who lived with them for a year. Hazel and Philip retired to Alexandria in l975. Following Philips death in 1996 she moved to Bethel Manor. She later moved to Clearwater Suites where she has lived for approximately six years. Hazel and Philip were active charter members of Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park and charter members of Shalom Lutheran Church when they moved to Alexandria. Hazel was very proud of her Swedish heritage and always celebrated holidays with traditional Swedish meals. She loved to entertain, sew, was an excellent baker and an avid reader. In her later years continued her love for reading with audio books. Hazel died peacefully at Clearwater Suites at the age of ninety-six years. Hazel is survived by her two daughters, Pauline Hoiseth (Woody) of Alexandria, Barbara Anderson of Chanhassen, MN; three grandchildren, Breann Anderson, Jennifer Walker and Jason Thom (Brenda); two great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Chelsie Thom. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, October 16, 2010 at Shalom Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM. Rev. Grant Aaseng will officiate and the interment will follow at West Moe Lutheran Church Cemetery, Brandon. Memorials are preferred to Shalom Lutheran Church. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.