Hazel J. Woltzen, 96, Minonk, passed away at 5:10 a.m. Thursday (Feb. 18, 2010) at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minonk, where she was a resident.

Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Minonk. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. Burial will be in Minonk Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ or Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minonk.

Hazel was born Jan. 28, 1914, in Panola Township, a daughter of George and Maude Mead Ioerger.

She married Edward B. Woltzen on Oct. 1, 1932, in Indiana. He passed away Jan. 11, 1994.

Survivors include one son, James (Mary) Woltzen, Andalusia; one daughter, Carol Nelson, Sun City West, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Duane and Marvin Woltzen; and two brothers.

She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, where she was active with the Willing Workers. Hazel was the matriarch of the Illinois Ioerger family.

Hazel was known for her wonderful smile, baking goodies, playing cards, having a great time with friends, and oh yes ... she had the gift of gab, especially for good, old gossip.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.