Hazel Johnson

POLK, Hazel Johnson, 96, of Polk, a former resident of Midwest Covenant Homes in Stromsburg, died Wednesday, July 9, 2008, at York General Hospital.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Polk, with the Rev. Roger Burke officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. in Stromsburg Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Solt Funeral Home in Polk.

Mrs. Johnson was born on Nov. 27, 1911, in rural Stromsburg to Carl William and Anna (Johnson) Carlson.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Walter Carlson; her second husband, Clarence 'Pete' Johnson; and a daughter, Roberta Beins.

Survivors of the immediate family include two daughters and a son-in-law, Corinne Adelson of Polk and Janice and Merlyn Lampshire of Lincoln.

Additional survivors include 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by two grandchildren, Rod and Russ Beins; three sisters, Grace Shostrom, Martha Simpson and Ruth Nielsen; and two brothers, Roy and Carl.

She grew up on a farm in the Stromsburg area and was educated in Polk County. Hazel married Walter A. Carlson and they lived on a farm near Durant and then moved one mile south of Polk, where they farmed. Hazel helped milk cows and raise chickens. Walter was killed in a corn-picking accident on Nov. 24, 1944. Hazel then moved to Polk and worked at the Stromberg Grocery in Polk.

In 1945, Hazel was hired to manage EricksonÕs Jewelry in Stromsburg. In 1946, she started a business called HazelÕs Apparel in the same building. The store was divided so she rented the north half, which housed ladies apparel. In 1946, hats were high fashion and many hours were spent re-trimming hats for Stromsburg ladies not able to afford a new one. They also brought their hats to Hazel to restyle. In 1948, the jewelry store stock was sold to Hazel. Many a Stromsburg young man purchased the diamond ring for his fiancŽ through EricksonÕs Jewelry. The stores were in business for almost 50 years.

Hazel married Clarence 'Pete' Johnson on Nov. 16, 1951. He passed away on July 15, 1993.

HazelÕs hobbies included gardening, flowers and bird watching. She also loved animals, big and small. She had Chihuahua puppies for many years and since residing at Midwest Covenant Home enjoyed the cats, Lucky and Patches.

Condolences may be sent to the family at soltfh.com.

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