Hazel Y. Wanek, 84, of Bowman, ND, formerly of Reeder, ND, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the Southwest Healthcare Long Term Center in Bowman.
Funeral Services for Hazel will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 9, 2016 at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Reeder. Pastor Mary Peterson and Pastor Mark Nygard will officiate with burial to follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Reeder, ND.
Visitation for Hazel will be on Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 10-1 at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Chapel, from 2-4 at the Southwest Healthcare Long Term Center Chapel and then again from 5-9 at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel.

Hazel was born March 8, 1932 to Eddie and Martha (Hoeft) Hilden in a blinding snow storm on the family farm six miles north of Reeder, ND.

Hazel attended school in Reeder. In the summer following her fifth grade year, Hazel suffered a severe broken leg when she was struck and run over by a car and had many months of recovery, however she never missed a day of school and graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1950 with perfect attendance for all 12 years. During high school Hazel was active in the Glee Club, chorus, junior and senior plays, softball, six man half-court basketball, including going to the state tournament in basketball. Hazel enjoyed the competition of sports and participated in softball, bowling, and golf as an adult. Hazel married Morris Wanek on November 24, 1950. Following their marriage, Hazel moved to the Wanek family farm west of Reeder where she would spend the next 60 years of her life farming, ranching and raising her family. Two girls and two boys were born into this marriage, Debbie, Shari, James, and Jeffery. In January 2011, Hazel entered Southwest Healthcare Services nursing home in Bowman where she lived until her passing on May 4, 2016.

Hazel was an active member at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Hazel was elected to the church council twice and served as its secretary and treasurer. Hazel also served as president of the ALCW. In 2001 Hazel and Morris were recognized by the Aid Association for Lutherans for sharing their time, talents and energy for the benefit of their church. Hazel served on the board for calling pastors in western North Dakota. Hazel served many years on the governing boards for Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, Sunset Home and West River Healthcare Services. Hazel was active in the Reeder Alumni Association serving on several reunion committees through the years, including serving as its president during the 1976 Bicentennial celebration and all-school reunion. The project she was most proud of accomplishing was the publishing of the Memories yearbook that was produced for the all-school reunion. Current addresses, photos and profiles of the students from the graduating classes of 1916 to 1976 were gathered, organized, laid-out and proofread to be ready for printing. The process took 18 months to complete and the Memories yearbook sold out quickly.

In 2015 Hazel and Morris celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary. Hazel is survived by her husband Morris, daughters Debbie (Jim) Honeyman, Shari (Rick) Sanford, sons Jim (Nadine) Wanek, Jeff (Char) Wanek, grandchildren Dan (Tracy) Wanek, Angie Wanek, Jarret (Janet) Wanek, Steven Honeyman (Tahlia), Kristen (Adam) Donahue, Tyrel Sanford, Toril Sanford, Eric Wanek, Alex Wanek, great-grandchildren Christian Wanek, Grace Wanek, Emily Wanek, Jude Wanek, and soon to be born baby girl Donahue. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and Eddie, sister Thelma (Edwin) Russenberger. All are grateful for having shared her life

Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Services in charge of the arrangements.