Hazel Baxter

Hazel Baxter, 84, from New Albin passed away April 12, 2018 at St. Monica’s Senior Living with family at her side. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 18 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, New Albin, followed by the Mass at 11 a.m. with Rev John Moser as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, New Albin.

Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home, Lansing is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Joseph’s Church in New Albin.

Hazel was born May 29, 1933 in Decorah to Margaret and William Rodenkirk. Hazel and Bill Baxter were married in July of 1957. After many years of raising children, Hazel went back to school and obtained a nursing degree. She worked at Thornton Manor in Lansing for approximately 10 years.  She then worked at St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse, WI for 24 years.

She was loved by her family and friends. She said her family was “the joy of my life.” She provided a great source of strength to her loved ones. She had a strong faith which guided her during difficult times. She was passionate about gardening and hickory nuts.

Hazel is survived by nine children: Loretta Baxter (Casstedaro Simpson) of Racine, WI, Ellen (Dan) Hosmanek of Racine, WI, Joseph Baxter (Shirley Compton) of Caledonia, MN, Julie (Patrick) Gregory of Winona, MN, Paul Baxter of Davenport, Frank Baxter (Heather Marin) of Winona, MN, Margaret Baxter (Alex Young) of Green Bay, WI,

Donna (Kurt) Hopfensperger of Appleton, WI and Patrick Baxter of Orlando, FL; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Rosemary Holland of Decorah; three sisters-in-law, Margaret (Ray) Steinhart of Platteville, WI, Sara (Bob) Hrdlicka of Charles City and Ruth Rainey of Lewiston, ID; and many nieces and nephews.

Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 2016; her parents; three sons, Cyril in 1964, Daniel in 1977 and Charlie in 1990; and her brothers, Don Rodenkirk and Ted Rodenkirk.