Hazel Loretta Armstrong

Hazel L Armstrong went home to be with Jesus on Thursday February 24, 2011 at Green Pine Acres, Menahga. She was born on June 12, 1920 in Menahga, MN the fifth child of Henry P and Lizzie (Thompson) Helgeson. She attended a country school west of Menahga for eight years and high school in Menahga graduating in the class of 1939. She married Howard J Armstrong on December 7, 1946. They enjoyed 56 years of married life before Howard passed away on July 20, 2003. Hazel is survived by their two daughters; Sharon Peachey married to John of Belleville, PA and Nancy Paurus married to Jack of Moorhead, MN. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Jeremy and Kristen Peachey of Mechanicsburg, PA, Stephanie and Michael Hartzler of Lewistown, PA, Beth and Ben Glick of Zebulon, NC, Nathan Paurus and Tessa of Dwight, ND and Chris Paurus and Yolanda of Moorhead, MN. Fourteen great-grandchildren also survive; Ella, Isabel, Luke and Adelyn Peachey, Jonathan, Joshua, Kate and Leah Hartzler, Brittany, Zachary, Anthony and Jeremy Paurus and Gabriel Ledoux and Mya Paurus. Howard and Hazel began their married life farming in Humboldt, MN. In 1954 they moved to Menahga to continue farming until 1972 when they moved into Menahga. Hazel was the first site manager of the beginning nutrition program for the senior center in Menahga. Hazel enjoyed crocheting, sewing, making quilts and visiting with friends at the Menahga Bakery. She enjoyed her family and loved receiving phone calls and letters with pictures of family members. Hazel loved Jesus and enjoyed sharing this love with those who came in contact with her. She was the last member of her immediate family having been preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sister. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Sunday, February 27, 2011 at Assembly of God Church in rural Menahga, MN. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, February 28, 2011 at Assembly of God Church in rural Menahga, MN with Pastor Bob Smith and Pastor Lila Marjama officiating. Lila Marjama will serve as pianist. Special music will be Lila Marjama and Bernice Kangas singing “In the Garden”, Lila Marjama soloing “Does Jesus Care” and Ben Glick soloing “I Can Only Imagine.” Congregational hymns are “Amazing Grace” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Active Casketbearers include, Bob Yates, Jon Kangas, Ron Dunbar, Jim Kangas, Daniel Rippentrop and Wally Stewart. Interment will be at Alajoki Cemetery.