Hazel Wilma (Hiams) LILLESKAU

LILLESKAU, HIAMS, KENT, SEVERSON, PITKIN, SWARMS, BAKER, HOWIESON, HARDY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 3/30/2008 at 14:11:58

MASON CITY - Hazel Lilleskau, 93, formerly of 34 S. Pierce Ave. in Mason City and most recently of Johnston, died Monday (March 24, 2008) at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 28 at the Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City, with the Rev. Patti Aurand of the First Congregational United Church of Christ officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. One hour prior to Hazel's service today, the family will greet relatives and friends at Fullerton Funeral Home in Mason City. Those wishing to extend a memorial in Hazel's name may direct them to Mercy Hospice, 5820 Winwood Dr., Johnston, IA 50131.

Hazel Wilma Lilleskau, the daughter of Bert and Alice (Kent) Hiams, was born in Rowan on March 10, 1915. She shared her birthday with her twin brother, Harold, and graduated from Rowan High School among the Class of 1934. Considering that Hazel's family were among the first early settlers in Wright County, she always remained proud to state that she was from Rowan!

Hazel was united in marriage to Norris A. "Bud" Lilleskau in Albert Lea, Minn. They farmed in the Clarion area, later moving to Spencer for a number of years. While in Spencer, Hazel assisted Bud in his building business as a decorator. Following their retirement, Hazel and Bud moved to Mason City to spend time near their daughter, Corrine, and two grandchildren, Steve and Carolee. Hazel was a very gentle woman with a wonderful sense of humor and great disposition! She loved spending as much time as she could with her family! Hazel treasured hearing and telling a good joke, solving jumbo crossword puzzles, eating sweet treats, playing the organ, cheering for the Iowa Hawkeye basketball team and listening to the music of the "Raiders." Hazel met many people in Mason City while on her four- to five-mile long walks, which she took daily until she was in her early 90's. She loved shopping, especially for her tiny size 4 1/2 shoes and traveling with her grandson, Steve, to run errands or to visit Corrine and Carolee. Hazel was a devoted member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mason City, where she was an active member of Group No. 3 and involved in many activities.

Cherishing Hazel's memory is her beloved daughter, Corrine Severson, of Johnston; her grandson, Steve Severson, of Mason City; her granddaughter, Carolee Severson of Phoenix, Ariz.; her brother, Ray Hiams, of Rowan; her two great-grandsons, Jorden Pitkin and Drake Swarms; and her new great-great granddaughter, Isabelle Pitkin. She will also be sadly missed by her dear and close friend, Barbara Baker; two nephews, Richard (Marilyn) Howieson and Paul (Cheryl) Hardy; and other relatives and friends. Preceding Hazel in death is her husband Norris "Bud" Lilleskau on July 4, 1992; her parents, Bert and Alice Hiams; her twin brother, Harold Hiams; brother, Dale Hiams; and two sisters, Doris Hardy and Pearl Howieson.

Mason City Globe Gazette
March 25, 2008