Hazel G. Erlandson

Hazel G. Erlandson, age 90 of Westby, died Friday, May 14, 2010. Hazel Erlandson, age 90, of 323 Black River Rd., Westby died Friday, May 14, 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, LaCrosse with her family by her side. Hazel, daughter of Hannah (Hanson) and Elias Ellefson was born Dec. 13, 1919 at their home on North Ridge. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran church, rural Viroqua. Hazel and Willard Erlandson were married on March 18, 1939 at her family home. They farmed for 20 years in the Viroqua, Westby and Chaseburg area before moving to their home on Barstad Road, Westby, where she lived until moving to Norseland Nursing Home in February, 2008. Hazel was a devoted farm wife and worked side by side with Willard driving tractor, hauling hay, doing all phases of tobacco work, milking her much loved cows and raising lots of chickens. As a self taught seamstress, she sewed countless dresses, suits, jackets, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses, Barbie doll and other doll outfits, prom dresses, as well as clothing for her own children. She was well known for all the bunads and vests she had sewn for Syttende Mai participants, receiving an award on May 17, 1996 from the Syttende Mai committee recognizing the sharing of her talent and her time. The second year that Westby celebrated Syttende Mai, Hazel made the first Norwegian outfits for the Nisse. Borgenss would not have looked the same without the 100+ aprons she sewed for the restaurant over the years. She loved sewing and when she didnt have any other sewing to do, she would make quilt tops from scrap pieces of fabric. Hazel had a green thumb for all flowers and plants and always had a large vegetable garden surrounded by beautifully blooming flowers. Her African violets never wilted or died, but bloomed profusely. She was active in the Farmers Union and the Vernon County Democratic party, holding various offices and serving on several committees. For many years she supervised the Farmers Union food stand at the Vernon County fair. Hazel was a wonderful baker, who made the best pie and home made soup ever. She enjoyed her doll collection and kept them displayed throughout her home. She and Willard were active long time members of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, where they both sang in the choir and she participated in the Ladies Aid and Circle. Hazel celebrated her 90th birthday on December 12, 2009 with an Open House in Westby. She is survived by her four children, Linda (Forrest) Dowling of Westby, Stanley (Barbara) Erlandson, Brodhead, David Erlandson, Florida, and Susan Erlandson, Coon Valley and very special "adopted"daughter, Julie Mack. She also leaves four grandchildren, Steve Dowling, Westby, Tricia (Bill) Woods of Anchorage, Alaska, Jake (Julie) Dowling of Chicago and Ben Dowling (Sel) of Seoul, So. Korea and an "adopted" granddaughter, Andrea (Eric) Miller of Westby; one great- grandchild, Justin Midtlien of Coon Valley; one sister, Agnes Heinzel of LaCrosse; one brother, Rueben Ellefson of Westby; sisters-in-law, Ardyce (Blaine) Haugen, Joann Ellefson; nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard; parents; two brothers, Myron and Elmer Ellefson; one sister, Eva Pederson; sisters-in-law, Eileen Ellefson, Olga Kraabel, Marie Erlandson, Ivy Erlandson, Alice Stoleson; brothers-in-law, Paul Heinzel, Ted Stoleson, Alton Erlandson, Chester Erlandson, Ingvald Kraabel; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Memorials may be made to the Fine Arts Foundation of the Westby Area (FAFWA), Norseland Music Fund or charity of donors choice. The family would like express their gratitude to Norseland Nursing Home and the entire staff for the love and wonderful care that Hazel received while she was a Norseland resident. Also, thanks to the TEC and CCU at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center for their compassion and support during her last, very brief illness. Hazel was a loving mother and grandmother who will be missed more than words can express. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2010 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Gary Daines will officiate with burial in Our Saviors Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 4 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street in Westby and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.