Hazel Louise Wendt

Born 11/18/1940 in Herington to Hazel (Martin) Morgan.
 A humble start, the youngest of four, 
 Hazel Jr. went on to soar.

A loyal Friend to many, she has been.
 Also, deeply loved her kin.

Railroader Band, Cheerleader, & Twirler, too. 
 There isn't anything Hazel couldn't do.
 Graduated High School in '58, 
 A reason to celebrate!
 
 Hired as an Operator with Southwestern Bell.
 Loved her job & did it well, 
And by the way, could also sell!

A favorite career at Shirley’s Clothes Closet, Hazel had a heyday.
 With her besties, Susie Solomon & Shirley May,
Selling clothes & decorating the window display.
 
 In 1961 Hazel & Roger Wendt wed.                                                                          
 Down the aisle of St. Paul’s they walked, vows they said.
 They remained connected through thick & thin.
 Had each other's back to the very end.

Gina Michelle born in ’63.
And they became WE.

Mom made our house a home, 
Nowhere else we'd want to roam.
 
 She introduced Gina to Jesus at ages 2, 3, & 4.
 Who could ask for ANYTHING more?!
Best Gift ever, making life a divine endeavor.

Being a homemaker & Mother were Hazel’s greatest joys.
 Providing, loving, & teaching, no ploys.
 
 She was very involved with St. Paul’s Church.
 Sponsoring Luther League with Roger took top perch.
 She also organized many funeral lunches,
 which she enjoyed bunches.
 And as a member of the Council, 
 She pulled no punches.

Beyond creative, Hazel could decorate AND grout.
 Wayyyy before Martha Stewart, without a doubt.
 Decorated Gina’s first apartment & many homes after.
A lot of debate, discussion, AND much laughter!

She maintained a beautiful yard, magic water from her spout,
 Flowers so large, you can hear them shout.
Butterflies & Bees, excitement they tout!

Hazel’s robust garden with large leafy greens,
 Tomatoes, cucumbers, beets and beans.
 Some say this is, "Eating clean."
The rest of us say, "Yummy, a culinary glean!"
 
 A dedicated lady over many a year,
 Hazel's had many roles, all very dear:
 Wife, Mother, Mentor, Coach, 
"Keep your eyes on the ball!" her loving reproach.  
 Banker, Friend, & Matron of Honor.  
Without her in my life, I’d a been a goner. 

Needless to say, my Mom's taught me much,
This little ditty illustrates such.
 She was sassy, classy, creative, and smart,
Amazing & beautiful with a GREAT BIG HEART!

I can't thank her enough for ALL she's done, 
 She'll know what I mean when I say, "I WON!" 
All my gratitude for her goes to THE SON.                                                                                      

Jesus says, "I knew you BEFORE I formed you in your 
              mother's womb." (Jeremiah 1:5) 
 And on March 2, 2024, I escort you to the tomb. 
 
 HE chose her for me & me for her.
 About that, there is no blur.

Cherished memories embedded deep within,
 Oh, how I wish we could live them again.
 But even better, Mom, I’ll see you at Home (John 14:1-4)….
 No where else we’d want to roam!

Preceding Hazel in death were her grandparents who helped raise her, Josephine & Orr Kellogg, her cherished mother Hazel Morgan, her brothers, Alvin (wife Avanelle) & Gerald Martin, her beloved sister Wanda Trapp & brother-in-law “Jimmy Joe” Trapp (Hazel lived with them her senior year in high school; both were BFFs), her husband James “Roger” Wendt, & nephews Gregory & Quinn Trapp. 

Survivors include her daughter Gina & “favorite son-in-law,” Bill Blasing, nephew Michael “Mikey” Trapp (Hazel thought of him more like a son) & wife Christine, niece Debbie (Trapp) Beam & husband Dave, and many other nieces/nephews. (She loved her kin!)