MOUNT PLEASANT – Mrs. Hazel Friesema Nelson, 90, passed away at Ascension All Saints on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.

She was born in the Township of Raymond on August 26, 1930, the daughter of Edward and Mary (nee Anderson) Jacobson.  She graduated from Washington Park High School in 1947.

On September 24, 1949, she married Raymond Friesema in a ceremony at the Calvary Memorial Church, then called the Gospel Tabernacle.  He preceded her in death on May 6, 2011.  On September 27, 2014, she married Earl Nelson.

First and foremost, Hazel was a homemaker and raising her family was her most important job.  However, she also worked as a secretary for St. Mary's Hospital and Racine Unified School District.

She was a member of Calvary Memorial Church where she participated in the choir, taught Sunday School and served on numerous boards and committees.  Hazel ministered extensively throughout her lifetime to others with her musical talents, most notably as an alto trio member, with her sister Joyce, both live and in person and professional recordings.  She also cherished her friendships within the church community, especially with the Kings Kouples Sunday School Class and the Land-A-Hand.

In addition to her husband, Earl Nelson, Hazel is survived by her children, John (Jean) Friesema of Woodland Park, CO, Bill (Trudy) Friesema of Colorado Springs, CO, Mary Claire Friesema of Denver, CO, Kay Friesema of Union Grove and Jayne (Bob) Bradford of Hammond, WI; her twelve grandchildren, Jason (Trish) Friesema, Josh (Anne-Marie) Friesema, John (Annie) Friesema, Jr., Sam (Jessica) Friesema, Shelly  (Nathan) Reitz, Krystal (Dre) Arceneaux, Nick (Joanna Bowzer) Leiting, Brent (Katie) Lang, Katrina (Matt) Pulda, Grant (Caitlin) Lang, Philip (Katie) Buckles, and Kim (Kyle) Van Roekel; her 28 great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Jake Friesema; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents and first husband, Raymond, Hazel was preceded in death by her five brothers and sisters.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Sunday, August 1, 2021, for a visitation from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Her funeral service will take place at Calvary Memorial Church (4001 Washington Ave) on Monday, August 2 ^nd at 11:00 a.m.   There will also be a visitation at the church from 10-11 a.m. Interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park.   In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the Missions Fund or music program at Calvary Memorial Church.

Hazel's family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Primrose Living Retirement Community and the entire staff at Ascension All Saints for the professional and loving attention she received while under their care.

Service Details

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Sunday, August 1, 2021 for a visitation from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Her funeral service will take place at Calvary Memorial Church (4001 Washington Ave) on Monday, August 2 ^nd at 11:00 a.m.   There will also be a visitation at the church from 10-11 a.m.

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