Hazel Eckel

Loved in life... Cherished in death. October 4, 2017 Hazel was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Hazel had a true understanding of love for her family, friends and faith in the Lord. She spoke of the importance of this often. Hazel was born to Herman and Emma (Hollinger) Kroening, and raised by Max and Louise Hollinger. Hazel grew up in Wausau and attended Wausau High School. She went on to Madison business school, and afterwards lived in Madison and worked for a construction company. She moved home to Wausau to raise her two girls, Debbie and Michele. Hazel worked at Wausau Insurance Company for 34 years, and then found her true passion and became a guardian for people in need. This was her calling in life; insuring people were treated with care and respect and always treated with kindness. Hazel was known for her amazing love of music and unmistakable, contagious laugh. Hazel is survived by her daughter Debbie (Tim) Rice; grandson Michael (Briana) Rice, great-grandchildren, Brighem, Bridge, Gracie, Ryleigh and Sterling; granddaughter Ashley Rice (Michael Witberler). Hazel is also survived by daughter Michele (Al) Kaiser; and grandchildren, Brooke McCarthy (Josh Nickel) and great-grandkids, Zayden and Izabella; grandson Adam McCarthy; grandson Christopher (Danyelle) Kaiser and great-grandkids Annalia, Allyson, and Isaiah; grandson Ryan (Jami) Kaiser and great-grandkids Addison, Brice, and Celise; grandson Adam (Monica) Kaiser, great-grandkids Allisandra and Aiden; granddaughter Anna (Erik) Christansen, and great grandchild Jude. She is also survived by two sisters, Inga (dec Emil) Borchardt and Eileen Kroening. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Davis (Pat) Kroening and Eldro (Bunny) Kroening. A memorial service will be held Monday, October 9th, 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 709 N 6th Street with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Hazel would want you to remember she is with the Lord at peace and would want you to help others. God Bless. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Hazel's name to "Help the Kids Fund", 5407 Rib Mountain Drive, Wausau, WI 54401. The family would like to thank the wonderful angels in Gardenside Crossing at North Central Health Care and Aspirus Hospice.