Hazel F. DeForge

She was born Nov. 22, 1923, in Niagara, daughter of the late Herman and Anna (Kraterfield) Brown. Hazel grew up and attended school in Niagara. She married Henry DeForge on January 26, 1940 in Iron Mountain, and he preceded her in death in 1992.

Together they raised one daughter, Sandy Broullire; and two sons, Roger (Rosemary) DeForge and Kim (Alana) DeForge, all of Niagara. There are five living generations in her family, she has eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. After being married they lived in Kingsford, for 20 years. Hazel felt fortunate that she did not have to go to work until her children were older.

Hazel had a variety of jobs, including waitressing, cooking, pastie baker, and working at General Controls where she calibrated thermostats. She also worked as a home health care aide for 40 years in Marinette, Florence, and Dickinson counties. Hazel loved this job and worked as an aide up until 2010. When she moved back to Niagara to take care of her mother, she moved into her family home which is over 100 years old.

Hazel loved to stay busy gardening and canning, one of her specialties was strawberry and blackberry jam. She loved to dance until just a few years ago and would go dancing with her lady friends as her husband did not like to dance. Hazel stayed busy going to her children and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities.

Her granddaughter, Anna, was a women’s professional basketball player and Hazel traveled to Nebraska and Arizona to see her play. She loved playing smear, attending bingo and playing cribbage.

She was an active member of the Northwoods Senior Center for years and had fond memories of all the great people she had encountered. Hazel will be missed by her numerous friends and large family.

In addition to her parents, and husband, Henry; Hazel was preceded in death by five brothers, Clarence, Earl, Ray, Herman, and Willie Brown; and by two sisters, Helen Herzog and Myrtle Hunt.

Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 3, 9:30 until 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara, Wis.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 11 a.m., at the church. Rev. Fr. Michael Lightner will officiate.

Burial will be in Niagara Cemetery.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Hazel’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services – Niagara Chapel, Niagara, Wis. to honor Hazel’s legacy of life.