Hazel Daniels

Funeral services for Hazel Daniels were held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at the Faith United Church of Christ in Bertha with Reverend Orville Sauter presiding. Hazel Daniels, age 89 of Bertha, passed away on Monday, January 14, 2008 at the Tri-County Hospital in Wadena. Hazel Marie Daniels was born on May 5, 1918 at Clarissa, MN to William and Mary (Engel) Braun. Her family moved to a farm west of Clarissa where they lived when she began school. In 1925, they moved again to a farm southeast of Bertha where she attended the Kotz country school, graduating in 1929. She attended Bertha high school , graduating in 1934. Then after staying home for a year, she attended teacher's training in Wadena and taught in rural schools. On August 28, 1940, she was united in marriage with Vernon Lewis Daniels. Together they moved to Seattle, WA. During that time, she worked in the office at Rhodes Dept. Store and daughter Judy was born. They returned to Minnesota in 1945. Daughter Linda was born in Bertha and Hazel was a stay-at-home mom until she began working at Gorghuber's Bakery. In 1959, she began managing the Family Store until her retirement. After retirement, Hazel volunteered at the Bertha-Hewitt school and was selected as Lay Person of the Year. She was very active at church. She was confirmed on November 29, 1931 and continued to participate in her church bible study group. She was interested in sewing, quilting, dancing, and helping Vern in the shop but especially enjoyed reading, watching birds, growing flowers in her backyard and being with her friends and neighbors. She and Vern took many trips until their health failed so these last years she spent traveling by reading. Vern passed away on February 9, 2005 after more than 64 years together. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband Vernon; parents William and Mary Braun; brother Calvin Braun; and son-in-law Richard Decker. She is survived by her daughters Judith Decker and Linda (Ron) Ward, both of Bertha; 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and a niece and nephew. Take thou my hand and lead me until the end, In life and death I need thee, oh precious friend. I cannot live without thee for one brief day, Lord, be thou ever near me and lead the way. Honorary pallbearers were Hazel's grandchildren, great-grandchildren, the members of her bible study group and all her friends. Pallbearers were Dick Anderson, Jerry Dahms, Brad Braaten, Ray South, Galen Schultz and Jon Hedlund. Interment was in the Peace Evangelical Cemetery, located in Bertha Township.

Hazel Daniels

May 5, 1918 - January 14, 2008