Hazel Nadine Critzman

Racine- Hazel Nadine Critzman, 91, passed away peacefully at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center on Sunday, January 21, 2007. Hazel was born on a wagon in Nelson, WI while her family was moving to Winona, MN on September 7, 1915 to the late Earl (a Teamster union activist) and Julia Rouse. She came to Racine in 1950. On July 30, 1934 in Winona, MN she was united in marriage to Raymond O. Critzman, who preceded her in death on December 31, 1945. Before coming to Racine, she held a number of union offices in Winona, where she attended high school and obtained her first job which was at the Federal Bakery in 1946. Hazel joined the Bakery and Confectionary union and soon became the recording secretary. As her abilities became known, she was placed on the organizing committee of the Winonan Trades and Labor Council, of which she was later voted recording secretary, and secretary of the Labor Temple board of directors. After coming to Racine, she received a position at Moxness Products as a molder in 1955. Hazel helped organize the International Association of Machints unit at Moxness of which she was voted in as chairman of the bargaining committee. She was elected secretary-treasurer of Machinists Local 437, a position she held for many years. Remaining extremely active and self-sufficient in her senior years, she enjoyed gardening, reading, fishing, crossword puzzles and playing cards. Above all of her union activities, her top priority in life was her family. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Surviving are her daughter, Blanche (Tom) Urick of Racine; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her children, Ramona (Charlie) Shiman; Julia Critzman; and James Critzman. In accordance with Hazel’s wishes, cremation will take place and private services will be held for her immediate family. A special note of thanks to the staffs of Lincoln Village and Wheaton Franciscan Hospice, especially Chaplain Julie Curcio for their compassionate end-of-life care that was so warmly given to Hazel.