"Dear Jodi, Vicki, Kristi and family: Please receive my condolences upon the death of your mother and grandmother Hazel. She was my administrative assistant at Drake University for many years- a strong, intelligent and caring woman who dedicated her many talents to the success of our division. Initially, we were Women's Programs and then the Adult Career Change Center. I briefly talked with her last year and knew she was not well, but being Hazel she was her gracious self. Thank you for sharing your mother with me and the rest of the staff at Drake. She was an amazing woman! Betty Huffman"
In loving memory of
Hazel Mildred Van Ekeren
December 17, 1931 - November 3, 2021
Hazel Mildred Van Ekeren, age 89 of Colfax, passed away on Wednesday, November 03, 2021 at home in her apartment at Newton Village in Newton, Iowa. Public graveside services will be held on Monday, November 08, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Colfax Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Colfax Public Library. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
The daughter of Harris and Ruth (Williams) Thomas, Hazel, the youngest of eight children, was born on December 17, 1931 in Mitchellville, Iowa. She graduated from Mitchellville High School in 1950. On September 8, 1952, she was united in marriage to John Van Ekeren. Hazel worked as a bank clerk, Colfax City Hall clerk, and an administrative assistant at Drake University. She enjoyed volunteering at the Neal Smith Wildlife Center, at the Colfax Public library, the Colfax-Mingo Area Food Pantry, and the Howard Street Christian church before her health prevented her from doing so. Hazel was a lifelong fan of basketball, having played in high school. She enjoyed watching college basketball and both the WNBA and NBA. She also enjoyed knitting, making sure everyone in the family had new slippers at Christmas. Most of all Hazel enjoyed spending time with her family.
Those left to honor her memory include her daughters, Jodi Shelton of St. Charles, Vicki (Randy) Gunsaulus of Newton and Kristi (Robin) Shepard of Cottage Grove, WI; her grandchildren, Mike (Michaela) Gunsaulus, Matthew (Jessa Dickinson) Gunsaulus, Molly (Dan) Brandhorst, Dawn (Umang) Kasotia, great grandchildren, Madden, Miles, and Mae Gunsaulus, Brynn, Cole, and Parker Brandhorst, and Arjun Kasotia, sisters-in-law Virginia Thomas and Jeanne Crane. Preceding Hazel in death were her husband, parents, son-in-law Don Shelton, and her seven brothers and sisters, Harry Thomas, John Thomas, Chuck Thomas, Don Thomas, Norma Hodge, Shirley Gooden, and Stella English.
Tributes
"Kristi, Jodi, Vicki and families, Your mom was such a sweet and caring person. She was such a good friend to my family and a lot of us did receive her wonderful slippers! I will miss talking to her on the phone. Hazel will be truly missed but her memories will live on."
"Hazel was a dear friend of ours. She always made popcorn cake and slippers every year for us. She is what you would call a very true caring friend. I will miss my chats on the phone with her. We will miss her deeply Our thoughts and prayers are with her family Dino and Virginia. Kostes"
"Steve and I will miss Aunt Hazel. So enjoyed her phone calls as well as the memories of the Thomas Reunions at Mitchellville Enjoyed our visit with her in June. Steve & Shirley Thomas"
"Always enjoyed being around Hazel. Remember well our week in Kentucky doing habitat work, and just her welcoming face at all church activities. Missed seeing her when she moved to Newton. Our sincere condolences to all the family. Grace&Duane Brown"