Hazel Hills

Hazel Marie (Hokanson) Hills, age 96, formerly of Danbury and Siren, WI, passed away early Friday morning, January 13, 2017, at her residence in Chisago City, MN. Hazel was born November 24, 1920, in Oakland Twp., WI, a daughter of the late Mary M. (Everson) and Albert G. Hokanson. She attended local schools and was a 1938 graduate of Webster High School. On April 20, 1940, Hazel was united in marriage to Barney M. Hills in Superior, WI. They were married over 58 years. He passed away July 4, 1998. Hazel started attending Danbury Methodist Church in 1949, and became very involved with church activities. She taught Sunday School for 14 years and had also served as the Sunday School Treasurer. Hazel was also an active member of the Ladies Aid (Danbury United Methodist Women) for many years. After she moved to Siren, Hazel attended Siren United Methodist Church. From 1953 to 1957, Hazel was employed at the telephone office in Danbury. She was hired to work in the U.S. Post Office in Danbury in 1957. She was promoted to Postmaster in 1973. A position she held until her retirement in 1979. Hazel was very involved with the planning and building of the new Post Office building in Danbury. In 2000, Hazel moved to Chisago City, MN, to a senior apartment. She lived in various places in the Parmely complex until her death. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Mary Hokanson; her husband, Barney; an infant son, Gerald Hills; brothers: Gordon, Donald, and Harold Hokanson; and son-in-law, Bruce Hanford. Hazel is survived by her daughters: Bonnie (Steve) Holter and Judy (Gary) Maslowski; grandchildren: Patrick (Jodi) Hanford, Cary Holter, and Paula (Randy) Hedin; and great-grandchildren: Emily Hanford, Joey Hanford, Lilli Holter, Ivey Holter, Dayle Hedin, and Sydney Hedin. She is also survived by a sister, Janice (Roger) Panek; brothers: Bob (Doris) Hokanson and Jim (Linda) Hokanson. The funeral service for Hazel Hills will be conducted at 11:00 am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am), Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster, WI, with Pastor Steve Ward officiating. Interment will be in Danbury Cemetery, and a fellowship luncheon is planned at Danbury United Methodist Church. Casket bearers are: Roger Panek, Jr., Dave Hokanson, Patrick Hanford, Jodi Hanford, Paula Hedin, and Andy Nelson. Honorary pallbearers are Cary, Lilli and Ivey Holter; Emily and Joey Hanford; and Dayle and Sydney Hedin.