Obituaries : Hazel Louise Barthelmes

Hazel Louise Barthelmes, 102, of Troy Mills, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at Terrace Glen Village in Marion, Iowa. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at St. John's Catholic Church in Coggon, Iowa. The family will greet friends one hour prior to Mass at the church on Tuesday. Inurnment will follow at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in rural Norway, Iowa.

Hazel was born on June 2, 1921, in Brandon, Iowa, the daughter of Henry John and Edna Bell (Smith) Steinberg. She graduated from Van Horne High School in 1939. On August 19, 1940, Hazel was united in marriage to Elmer "Bud" Victor Joseph Barthelmes at Immaculate Conception Church in Van Horne, Iowa. Elmer and Hazel lived in Cedar Rapids until he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944. When he returned home, they started farming in Benton County and later in Linn County. After retiring, they moved to Troy Mills. They loved traveling, especially to Branson, Missouri, and even drove to Alaska for their 50th wedding anniversary. Bud and Hazel enjoyed fishing with many trips to Minnesota and Missouri. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Coggon and Troy Mills American Legion Auxiliary, Floyd Williamson Post #712.

Hazel enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, needle point, crocheting, carpentry, and re-upholstering. She was also an excellent cook and baker. Everyone enjoyed her homemade buns and bread she made for special occasions. Hazel was skilled at many things and there wasn't much she couldn't do if she put her mind to it. She rode her stationery exercise bike from 1986 to 2018, riding a total of 33,180 miles!

Hazel crocheted hundreds of baby hats in her final years, donating many to area hospitals. The last two hats she crocheted were given to her new great-granddaughter, Riley and great-great-granddaughter, Hazel, her namesake. She enjoyed playing bingo at the care centers. She shared her candy bar winnings with her boys. Hazel said, when I can no longer go to bingo, the boys will have to buy their own candy bars.

Hazel is survived and lovingly remembered by her four children, Ron (Belva) Barthelmes, Kathie (Dennis) Manfull, Bill (Mary Jo) Barthelmes, and Jacqui (Al) Sorensen; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 78 years, Bud; three sisters, Doris Jansen, Pearl Miesner, and Darlene Druschel; and two brothers, Robert and Raymond Steinberg.

Hazel will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Higley Mansion, The Views of Marion and Terrace Glen Village for their professional and compassionate care they provided to Hazel in her last years.

Memorials in Hazel's memory may be directed to Hospice of Mercy, which provided comfort and support for Hazel in her final days.