Hazel Houghton

Hazel Hodgson Houghton passed away on April 23, at Aspirus Hospice House surrounded by her loving family. She and the love of her life, Bud, are jitterbugging in eternity!

Hazel was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Aug. 20, 1921, to Betsy and Harry Hodgson. A remarkable wife and an exceptional mother, Hazel will be well remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Always quick with an insight or a quip, Hazel was half of a great love affair. She married George Houghton Jr. on Dec. 1, 1942, in South Bend, Ind. When they relocated from Goodman, Wis., to Wausau in 1963, they started Houghton Wood Products, Inc. together. An avid reader, crossword puzzle pro and prolific knitter, Hazel once knit 25 sets of hats and mittens for her daughters', Girl Scout troop. Everyone in her family has been blessed with sweaters that came from her gifted hands.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant St, Wausau, Wis., on Saturday, April 28, 2012. Visitation with the family will begin at 2:30 p.m. with the service commencing at 4 p.m. The Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate and burial will be in Glennwood Cemetery in Goodman.

Hazel is survived by her five children, Claire (Don) Chitko, Appleton; Marsha (Albert) Schmidt, Appleton; George (Jean) Houghton III, Wausau; Christina Houghton, Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Dr. Katherine (David) Zatz, Teaneck, N.J.

Hazel's grandchildren and great-grandchildren include: Bradley Chitko and his children, Emily, Allison, Erika and Nathan; Douglas Chitko and his children, Evelynn and Spencer; Susan and Eric Olson and their children, Aiden, Riley and Charles; and Scott and Melissa Chitko and their, son Connor; Lindsey (Jeff Steckel) Houghton and Haley Houghton; Mitchell McConeghey; and Zoe Hazel and Benjamin Zatz.

Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

On-line condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com

Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, Wausau, Wis.