Hazel Walters

OBITUARY Hazel Jeanette Ekeberg was born November 3, 1925, near Underwood, MN to John and May (Glibertson) Ekeberg. In 1929, the family moved to Everts Township. Hazel was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in District #45, was a graduate of Battle Lake High School in the class of 1943, and attended the College of Commerce in Minneapolis, MN. She was employed as a medical secretary-technician at the Medical Arts Building in Minneapolis. In December of 1945, Hazel met Captain Everette Walters upon his arrival home from war. They sang in the Central Lutheran Choir while he was attending Brown?s School for Radio. Hazel and Everette were united in marriage on January 25, 1948 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN. They made their home in Alexandria where he was a founding partner of Radio Station KXRA. In 1949 Hazel was Deputy Registrar of Deeds five years, then became homemaker and fulltime mother to their four children. She was an active member of First Lutheran, served as Sunday school Superintendent for 14 years, President of Church women, instructor of Bethel Series, Stephens Minister, served on the Vietnamese resettlement committee, and sponsored five Chinese/Vietnamese navymen in her home, while they received a tech-school education. Hazel was an accomplished artist, attended seminars, and conducted classes in her home in folk art and canvas painting for 12 years. She was an active member of Eastern Star, serving as Grand Esther in 1969, and held many offices including secretary for 18 years. She loved animals and served six years as the answering-placement service for Lakes Area Humane Society, designed their logo and motto. After her husband?s death, February 1996, she took on his work with the Sr. Perspective, sold their lake home, built a smaller home and became a peer counselor with the Elder network. Hazel died on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 87 years old. She is survived by her four children: Carol Geesey of Eagan, MN; Bill (Diane) Walters of Anchorage Alaska; Jon (Maria) Walters of Anoka, MN; Jan (Brian) Bymers of Alexandria, MN; nine grandchildren: Lauren Geesey, Brett (Amber) Geesey, Jessica Walters and (Fianc� Robert Lanzafame), Nathan Walters and (Fiance Tiana Lopes), Cassandra Walters, Christopher Walters, Quentin Bymers, Robert Bymers, and Logan Bymers; great grandchildren Max, Parker, and Brayden Geesey. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Everette Walters, and a sister Mildred (John) Gaasland. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at First Lutheran Church with the Reverend Marilee Bergerson officiating. Randy Morken was the organist and Patrick Kalina was the soloist. Interment was in the Geneva Cemetery. Casket Bearers were Lauren Geesey, Brett Geesey, Jessica Walters, Nathan Walters, Cassandra Walters, Christopher Walters, Quentin Bymers, Robert Bymers, and Logan Bymers. Honorary Casket Bearers were Max Geesey, Parker Geesey, and Brayden Geesey. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net