Hazel Uhlir, age 81, of Fosston, MN, formerly of Winger, MN, died Friday, May 2, 2008 at First Care Medical Services in Fosston.
Hazel Clarice Baglien was born March 12, 1927 on a farm in Bear Park Township, Norman County to Helmer and Clara (Flakne) Baglien. She was baptized at Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary, MN, and grew up in the Bejou area. Clara died when Hazel was only nine and Helmer later married Martha Motteberg. Following grade school in Bejou, Hazel furthered her education in Mahnomen, graduating with the class of 1946. During her last two years of high school, Hazel lived and worked at the Hallstrom Store in Bejou. Papa Hallstrom was very kind to Hazel and held a special place in her heart.
On September 25, 1946, Hazel was united in marriage to Ernest Uhlir at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN. Following their marriage, they took over the Uhlir family farm, where they made their home and raised their two sons, Duane and David.
Hazel was a loving and devoted wife to Ernest, her husband of 61 years. She took joy in caring for others, including her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. Hazel had a quiet strength about her. She was a positive role model for everyone who was blessed to have known her and she never spoke an unkind word about anyone. Simply, to know her was to love her.
Farming was the lifestyle Ernest and Hazel came to know and love, Hazel was proud of being a farm wife. She not only managed a home and garden, but also drove tractor, milked cows and was Ernest's right hand gal. They were awarded the Farmer and Homemaker of the Year in 1990. Everyone was welcome in Hazel's kitchen. Her kitchen table was the heart of her home and guests were always greeted with a smile, hot cup of coffee and lunch.
Hazel was a member of Immanual Lutheran Church in Bejou and its ladies aid. She also held a membership with ZCBJ Lodge.
Hazel is survived by two sons: Duane (Sue) Uhlir, of Fargo, ND, and David (Jean) Uhlir of Bagley, MN; seven grandchildren: Anthony (Maxine) Uhlir, of Argusville, ND, Kristi (Shaun) Moritz, of Florence, AZ, Daniel (Corrie) Uhlir, of Cass Lake, MN, David Uhlir, James Uhlir, Katherine Uhlir and Thomas Uhlir, all of Fargo; three great-grandchildren: Alexander and Katie Uhlir and Jonathan Ernest Moritz; brother, Harlan (Carolyn) Baglien, of Winger; sister, Janice Hagan, of Ocala, FL; step-sister Irene Hanson, of Kansas City, MO; special niece, LaVerne Onstad, of Blaine, MN; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother; husband; brother, Clayton; brothers-in-law Emil Jr. and Henry Uhlir; sisters-in-law: Albina Velk, Lydia Hauge, Mary Gunderson, Agnes Yonker and Irene Pladsen.