Hazel Senske

Hazel Eva (Harrington) Senske was born on July 15, 1928 in Frazee, MN to Charles and Lucille Harrington. Hazel met the love of her life, Eldon Senske, as a cheerleader for Frazee HS and Eldon, a basketball player for Perham HS. A true love story began. Hazel and Eldon were married on June 17, 1950 and moved to Warren, MN, where Eldon began his career. In 1955 their growing family moved to Albert Lea, where Eldon was employed by the University of Minnesota as Freeborn County Extension Agent.

During their life in Albert Lea, Hazel was actively involved in 4-H, serving as an Adult Leader for many years, helped revitalize the 4-H Clover Bud program for young boys and girls. She was an active member of the Home Extension Group, and joined Eldon to chaperone large annual groups of 4-H’ers on Citizenship Short Course Trips to Washington D.C. and New York over a 24year period. She was an active member in the Albert Lea community, volunteering and contributing to many organizations. One of the most meaningful volunteer activities was her 58 year involvement in the National T.T.T. Society, where she served as MN State president and held many other offices within the MN Chapter W in Albert Lea. Hazel enjoyed working for Albert Lea School District #241 as an Administrative Assistant for 6 years and as a Chapter 1 instructor for 19 years. She loved working with and helping children in education. Hazel and Eldon were active supporters of their children in many school activities. She enjoyed watching the games and cheering them on in their ALHS and Concordia College sports.

A woman of deep faith, Hazel dedicated her life to God, family, church, community, and education. Hazel was an active member of First Lutheran Church since 1955 where she served as WELCA president, an officer on the Property and Evangelism Commissions, and a member and officer of Circle #21 for 67 years. When she was not able to attend church, she enjoyed watching Peace and Power every Sunday.
Hazel volunteered for American Cancer Board, Shades of Jade Garden Club, Spark Plugs, Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop and many other organizations. She was an avid gardener, loved flowers and was well known for her garden tours over the years.

Christmas was Hazel’s favorite time of year. An avid collector of Nativity sets from all her travels to different countries, she had collected over 85 of them and would have them on display in her home, holding tours during the Christmas season.

Hazel loved her family and cherished the time she spent with them.  She is survived by her four children: Greg (Mary Beth) Senske, Jim (Bobbi) Senske, Bruce (Lorie) Senske, and Debra Senske. She was adored by eight grandchildren: Megan (Mike) Bireley, Kari (Rob) Nick, Brian (Jacquelyn) Senske, Jen (Dan) Sletten, Jamie (Stacy) Senske, Jace (Cat) Senske, Trent (Laura) Senske, Molly (Mike) Pahl, 25 great grandchildren, brother-in-law Ron Larson, and many nieces and nephews.

Hazel was preceded in death by her beloved husband Eldon in 1990, her parents and and eight siblings.

The family would like to offer a special heartfelt thank you to the staff at Flagstone Long Term Care Center and Optage Hospice in Eden Prairie MN for caring for our mother over the past four months. Your kindness and care was unwavering.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Home or Freeborn County 4-H.

The service will be lived streamed from the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home Facebook page at the following link:  https://fb.me/e/169rWwUnr