Carol Jean Hazen

Carol Jean (Doede) Hazen, age 89, passed away on September 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving children. She was born on December 8, 1934, in Wausau, to the late Arnold and Dorothy (Schmidt) Doede. Carol attended Wausau High School, graduating in 1953, where she formed many lasting friendships, especially with her beloved “The Girls” group.

On June 22, 1957, Carol married Daniel Paris Hazen in Wausau. They lived in Milwaukee and Kaukauna for five years before returning to Wausau. Carol embraced her role as a homemaker and was active in her community, participating in the Wausau Junior Women's Club, Marathon County Extension Homemakers, and the YWCA. While raising their four children, Carol was also involved in Mother’s Club, Top Notcher's, and Martha Circle at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and served as a Cub Scouts Den Mother and a Girl Scout Leader.

Most summers were spent at the cherished family cottage on Birch Lake in Harshaw. A highlight of Carol’s life was traveling to Paris and Greece with Dan, where they enjoyed a memorable visit with her lifelong friend and pen pal, Ursula. Carol and Dan welcomed four grandchildren into their lives and shared 40 years of marriage before Dan’s passing in 1997.

After Dan’s death, Carol built a full and meaningful life for herself. She continued working for the Birch Trail Girl Scouts, where she was highly regarded for her exceptional skills in typing, spelling, and grammar, and retired after 15 years of service. She remained active in various organizations, including the Marathon County Retired Educators Association, Marathon County Historical Society, American Legion Auxiliary, and the POMMERSCHER Verein German Club of Central Wisconsin. Carol enjoyed traveling with friends and family, chaired the Wausau High School Reunion of Yesteryear, and spent time with lifelong friends at fish fries and birthday luncheons, celebrating the seasons of life together.

Carol was known for her unwavering dedication to her family. She never missed a birthday, always sending a personalized card filled with love, even as her family grew to include four more grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Carol was a gifted writer, a voracious reader, and had a delightfully sharp wit that endured even in her final days. Her warmth, kindness, and quick laughter brought comfort and joy to all who knew her.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children and their spouses: Steve (Colleen) Hazen of Maple Grove, MN, Pete (Kari E.) Hazen of Lincoln, CA, Tim (Kari J.) Hazen of Wausau, WI, and Sarah "Sally" (Jeff) Ganley of Myrtle Beach, SC; eight grandchildren: Andrew, Katherine, Sydney, Samantha, Zoe, & Mia Hazen, and Emily & Jessica Ganley; and two great-grandsons: Everett and Jack. She is also survived by her siblings: Richard Doede of New Berlin, WI, Marcia Kampf of Birchwood, WI, and Dianne (Ed) Mallison of Wayzata, MN, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jack and Barb Hazen, brother-in-law Gary Kampf, and sister-in-law Janice Doede.

A celebration of Carol's life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 630 Adams Street, Wausau, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Maggie Westaby will officiate. Carol will be laid to rest next to her husband at Pine Grove Cemetery.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Aspirus Hospice and Primrose Memory Care for their compassion and care. Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Helke Funeral Home is assisting our family.