Hazel Ruth Wistrom

1931 - 2016

Hazel R. Wistrom, 84, Stanton, died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at Stanton Care Center, Stanton.
Hazel Ruth Miller Wistrom, the daughter of Faye Ellen (Biggerstaff) and Henry Edward Miller, was born Dec. 2, 1931, at her grandparent's home in Malvern.
Hazel graduated from Malvern Community High School with the class of 1949 and continued to stay in touch with those friends and attended their 50th class reunion.
She met Lyle "Shorty" Wistrom through a cousin. He drove from Stanton to court her and sent her many love letters over their short engagement. They were married in Glenwood on July 2, 1949. Hazel and Shorty had been married 53 years when Shorty died on Aug. 8, 2002.
They made their home in Stanton after being married. She began her marriage by helping take care of Shorty's parents, and then continued her caring by taking food or delivering mail to a neighbor, having morning coffee with friends, and helping mow or rake a lawn when someone was in need.
Hazel worked many years for Schenck's Grocery and did babysitting for the children of several teachers. Shorty and Hazel purchased the Peterson-Wallin Oil Company in Stanton in l976, which became Wistrom Oil. Hazel was the bookkeeper until she entered the Stanton Care Center in 2011 due to complications of Parkinson's disease. She was also known for pumping gas, washing windows and cleaning cars.
Hazel was a member of Mamrelund Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir and served as Cub Scout den mother. She supported many school events for her children and grandchildren, helping with prom, baking cupcakes, and providing lots of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup at her home before ballgames. She attended Santa Lucia for over 50 years and enjoyed being able to take part in voting, not turning on the Christmas lights until that evening, and storing the white Santa Lucia robes for the ceremony. Hazel would contribute a 3-lb. can of Folgers coffee instead of taking cookies for the celebration after the crowning.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant sister, Ruby Etta Miller; step-father, Francis Benedict; daughter-in-law, Sherie Goodemote Wistrom; sister-in-law, Beverly Miller; Shorty's parents; his five siblings and their spouses; and other family members and dear friends.
Hazel is survived by her children, Roger L. (Debbie) Wistrom of Stanton, Frances Benedict (David) Olson of Stanton, and Ann Benedict (Phillip Shenefield) Athy of Stanton; brother, Robert (Margaret) Miller; special daughter, Rhoda Walker (Greg Hansen) Thompson; five grandchildren, Dr. Christopher (Dr. Elana) Wistrom and daughters, Sophia and Josephine; Jonathan (Rachel) Wistrom and daughter, Jane; Skyler Wistrom; Marvin Olson; Michelle Olson; Dr. Annette Athy (Jason) Sedbrook and children, Savannah, Riley and Hunter; Erin Athy (Shane Snyder) Jordan and sons Bryan Berglund and Terin Jordan; step-siblings, Connie Miller Darnold, Stella Miller Page and Thomas Miller; other relatives; and her family of residents and staff at the Stanton Care Center.
May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.
Funeral Service was held Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton. Burial was in Mamre Cemetery, Stanton, following the service. Rev. Dr. Eric Kutzli officiated.
The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to the Mamrelund Lutheran Church; American Legion Ernie Johnson Post #406, Stanton; or Stanton Fire and Rescue Departments. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at sldfuneralhome.com.
Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.