HAZEL THORSON

Hazel B. Thorson, age 98, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2008. She was born on March 7, 1910 in Winchester; daughter of the late John and Helga (Christenson) Helgeson. Hazel loved music, playing the organ and dancing. She was fond of gardening and flowers, especially violets. Hazel was an avid golfer and bowler, who participated in several leagues and golfed well into her 80's. She enjoyed traveling; her favorite destinations outside Wisconsin were Florida and Hawaii. Hazel was an excellent cook; she will always be remembered for her wonderful pies and cookies. Her family will continue to enjoy all the beautiful afghans that she crocheted for them. Hazel is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Russell; special nephew, Vernon (Pat Van Hulle) Ponto; great nieces and nephews: Steve (Mary) Ponto, Pat Ponto, Tom (Sue) Ponto, Polly Ponto, Paula (Tim Herreid) Ponto, Pam (Shane Luethe) Hren; great-grand nieces and nephew: Kate Ponto, Stephanie Ponto, Mollie Ponto, Elizabeth Ponto, Sarah Ponto, Carly Herreid, Laramie Hren, Zoe Herreid, Luke Breznau and Allie Hren. In addition, Hazel is survived by nieces and nephews: George (Muriel) Giesen, Leslie (Millie) Helgeson, Dorothy Skafte, Robert Merrill, Marilyn (Ray) Quella, Eunice Omit, and Donna Mader. Hazel is preceded in death by her former husband, Ervin Erickson; her son, Nathan Erickson; a brother, Clarence (Ella) Helgeson; sisters: Violet (Clarence) Zastrow, Cora (George) Giesen and Elmira (Lou) Merrill; nieces, Kathleen Erickson and Virginia Sawyer; and a nephew, Will Merrill. The Funeral Service for Hazel will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8396 Steeple Hill Drive, Larsen, with the Rev. Dan Leutt officiating. The visitation will be held at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, Hazel's family has established a memorial fund.