Hazel Ann Olstad

Hazel A. Olstad, 98, of Rushford, MN passed away on October 24, 2013 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home. Visitation will be at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford, Monday October 28 from 5 - 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service, Tuesday October 29 at 11:00 a.m. A Funeral service will be at Rushford Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will be at Rushford Lutheran Cemetery following the service. Hazel was born February 8, 1915, in Houston, MN, the daughter of John and Gelena (Jore) Doblar. She married Clifford H. Olstad; he died May 6, 1994. Also preceding her in death were her parents; two brothers, Archie and Ralph; two sisters, Myrtle and Ruby; a son, Dale; and a son-in-law, Vern Carlson. Mother is survived by three daughters; Marilyn (William) Worra, Rantoul IL, and their children Amy and Daniel; Janice Carlson, Bloomington, MN, and her children, Eric, Kurt, and Leif; Ramona (John) Litcher, Lewisville, NC, and their children Jade, Jeff, and Danta; one son Claire (Ione), Rushford, MN, and their children, Calvin, Angela, Clark, and Heath; a daughter-in-law Betty, Lewisville, NC; and 24 great grandchildren. Winona Teachers' College prepared Hazel to teach in a one-room country school. Later she was involved with the lunch program at Head Start and eventually at the Rushford Public School. Rushford Lutheran Church and the community of Rushford were a vital part of her life. Hazel taught Sunday School over 20 years, was active in the Hannah Circle, the quilting project, and making lefsa for the Men's Supper and the Bazaar. As a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 70 years, she served as president, also supported the Band Mothers, and was once nominated for "Mrs. Rushford." In her retirement, Mother learned to crochet. She made afghans and scarves for all of her family and friends. She donated afghans to the Good Shepherd Nursing Home and also made lap robes for the home and for veterans. Mom enjoyed her vegetable gardens; it follows that "In the Garden" was one of her favorite hymns and will be sung at her memorial service. Blessed be her memory.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/436931