Kenosha— Hazel Clara (nee: Scheckler) Gitzlaff, 88, affectionately known to many as "Maggie", passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, November 24, 2010.

A lifetime resident, Hazel was born in Kenosha on March 26, 1922 to the late Emory and Helen (nee: Thompson) Scheckler. On November 1, 1941, she was united in marriage with Lester Gitzlaff, who preceded her in death on April 13, 1980.

Prior to her marriage, Hazel was employed by Cooper's, more commonly known as Jockey. In following years, she fulfilled her dream of being a full-time homemaker, devoting her entire life to raising their nine children. Later in life, with a great passion for children, Hazel loved working at the Christian Life Childcare Center. With a profound Christian faith, Hazel was a proud member of First Assembly of God in Kenosha. Some of her favorite pastimes were….swimming in Lake Michigan, participating at the Friendly Center; baking bread and spending every opportune moment with her family.

Surviving are her children, Bonnie Fredericksen, Linda Clausen, Darlene (Tom) Lenz, Larry (Kathy) Gitzlaff, John (Laura Slagle) Gitzlaff, Janet Gitzlaff, Mark (Yolanda) Gitzlaff and Danny Gitzlaff; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Esther Kaiser, Alice Meyer and Lois Neumiller; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to her parents and husband, Hazel was preceded in death by her son, David; grandson, Timmy; great-grandsons, Michael and Jake; sister, Verna; and brothers, Emory, Donald and Richard.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 12:00 noon in First Assembly of God- Kenosha, 10700 – 75 ^th Street, with Rev. Dan Remus officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery – Racine. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 10 am – 12:00 noon.

A heartfelt note of thanks to our family & friends, especially Sharon and Janet, for all the loving care and support in our Mom's time of need. May God bless all of you!