Hazel Keppen

Hazel Keppen, 99, passed away April 18, 2020. She was born Hazel Genevieve Nordin on December 12, 1920 in Siren, WI to Fred and Esther

Nordin. She was one of eight siblings who grew up on a small farm near Lewis, Wisconsin.

Hazel graduated from Siren High School in 1939 and married Earl Keppen on June 6, 1943. Earl and Hazel settled in Siren to raise their three children, Betty Jo, Mari Lou, and Dean. Family was always the focus in
Hazel’s life, and she enjoyed her home, family gatherings, games, rides, fishing, and camping with her family. She was a 4-H leader as the children were growing up and she supported and attended numerous school and church activities. During those years, Hazel worked part time as a postal clerk but became a full-time employee of the post office after the children were grown. She was active in the community and was a long-time blood donor.

Her hobbies and interests were family centered and included sewing, cooking, gardening, the outdoors. She always had a dog at her side, even on her daily walks into her 80’s. She was a faithful member and servant of Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren and a long-time member of the Siren Lioness Club.

In 2012, Hazel moved to Presbyterian Home Minnetonka Shores in Spring Park, MN. For eight years, the staff and residents at Minnetonka Shores have been a part of Hazel’s caring family. Hazel was a thoughtful, devoted, and caring person, and will be missed and long remembered, especially by her family.

Hazel is survived by her children, Betty Jo (Tom) Kobierski, Mari Lou (Dan) Wiley, Dean (Judy) Keppen: grandchildren Fauna and Shane Keppen, great grandson Andreas Keppen, brother, Glenn Nordin, numerous nieces and nephews, and close family friends Tanya and Tamia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl, brothers Carl and Kenneth, sisters Anna Smith, Esther Conroy, Luella Monson, and Betty Andersen.

The family will gather in Siren to celebrate Hazel’s life at a later date.