Hazel Senske, 95, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, peacefully went home to our Heavenly Father on January 7, 2024. November 2022 Hazel moved from Waters Edge at St John’s to Assisted Living at Flagstone in Eden Prairie to be close to her family in the Twin Cities.

Hazel Senske

Hazel Eva (Harrington) Senske 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 24-year 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. She served  as MN State president and held many other offices within the Minnesota T.T.T. 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 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 not at church, she enjoyed Peace and Power.

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 well known for  her garden tours over the years.

Christmas was Hazel’s favorite time of year. An avid collector of Nativities from all her travels, to  different countries. She had collected over 85 nativities and would display them in her home and held  tours during the Christmas season.

Hazel loved her family and cherished the time she spent them.

Hazel is survived by her four loving children Greg (Mary) Senske of Prior Lake, MN, Jim (Bobbi) Senske  of Eden Prairie, Bruce (Lorie) Senske of Eden Prairie, and Debra Senske of Chanhassen, MN. Eight  wonderful grandchildren, Megan (Mike) Bireley, Kari (Rob) Nick, Brian (Jacquelyn) Senske, Jennifer  (Dan) Sletten, Jamie (Stacy) Senske, Jace (Cat) Senske, Trent (Laura) Senske, Molly (Mike) Pahl, 24  great grandchildren, brother-in-law Ron Larson, 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.

Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 15 at Bayview Funeral Home in Albert Lea. A  memorial service to honor Hazel’s life will be at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, with a  visitation one hour prior at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN.

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