Some people are bigger then life and even though I never met her I’m convinced that Hazel was such a person. Just her demeanor in photos seems to indicate that she was in charge no matter the situation. 

Hazel Mae Lundberg was born May 17, 1897, in Riley, Kansas, to William and Emma (Peterson) Lundberg. Riley is located 20 milies northwest of Manhattan, Kansas. Hazel was the 6th child of 7 born to William and Emma. 

Hazel married Ross McDonald in December 1915 and divorced him three years later in December 1918. Our June was born on June 18, 1916. After divorcing Ross, Hazel married August “Audie” Katz in October 1919. Our June told me that in her mother’s photo album, there were old photos that looked like someone or many others had been cut out of the images. We assume that someone was Ross. Hazel had three more children with Audie, Robert, Donald, and William. 

Cris and Kirk have fond memories of her. Cris remembers playing Canasta with her in her retirement home. They couldn’t be beaten, and some betting may have been going on, but Cris never saw it. Kirk drove her car a couple of times. It was as massive as a boat and did not have power steering. Cris remembers Kirk struggling to turn the vehicle. 

Here we have Hazel and Cris in March of 1973. Hazel looks casual as she’s holding Cris in her arms. In every photo I see of her, she always comes across as extremely chic and fashionable. Cris, on the other hand, seems highly mischievous. In any case, we are blessed to have this photo of them together. 

Those people who are prominent in life leave large holes when they are gone. I am sure this was the case in Hazel’s life. May we always remember her and pass her life stories down to future generations so they, too, may be large in life.