Hazel Josephine Anderson

Hazel Josephine Anderson, age 89, of La Crosse, WI passed away on October 16th, 2025 at the Onalaska Care Center in Onalaska, WI.

Hazel was born on November 5th, 1935 to Joseph & Clara Jones in La Crosse, WI. She graduated from Central High School in 1953. Hazel spent the majority of her working years at JC Penney’s and Saint Francis Hospital.

In 1954, Hazel met Ray, and they wed on June 16th, 1956. After they met, Hazel taught Ray how to dance, and they often went dancing at the Avalon Ballroom together. Their 69 years of marriage was a testament of their love and devotion to each other. Ray was always dedicated to Hazel, and as her primary caregiver over the last few years, his dedication to her became even more heartfelt. She was his best friend.

After retiring in 1994, Hazel dedicated much of her time to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in La Crosse, WI where she sang in the choir, helped to coordinate meatball suppers, counted money, served Monday night meals, and delivered mobile meals in the community. In retirement, Hazel and Ray still found time to take many trips across the United States with their dear friends, John and Betty Brewer, whom they have known for 65 years.

Hazel enjoyed the simple things in life, like watching the birds and squirrels at the feeders while playing cards or shaking dice with Ray at the kitchen table. She was an excellent seamstress and a wonderful cook and baker. Her homemade caramels at Christmas time were a family favorite.

Family was always a significant part of Hazel’s life. As the youngest child, she was the caretaker for her parents. Even when it was hard, being a caretaker was a role Hazel embraced with unwavering devotion.

Her life was filled with many blessings, but being a mother to her only child, Jim, was the greatest of them all. Welcoming Jim was one of Hazel’s most cherished moments and was a joy that only grew deeper with time. After Hazel entered the Onalaska Care Center in July, Jim carried some heavy decisions alongside his dad and did so with quiet strength and compassion. She would be so proud of her son. Hazel would also be proud of the grace and generosity shown by her daughter-in-law, Julie, who saw to supporting and caring for both Hazel and Ray over the last handful of years. Julie ensured that their needs were met, providing warm meals, sweet treats, and many visits.

Hazel held a very special place in her heart for her granddaughters, Megan & McKenzie, who meant the world to her. She loved watching them grow and never missed the opportunity to watch a basketball game or a dance recital. She was the biggest fan (and sometimes the loudest cheerleader) in the stands. No matter how big or small the event, Hazel was always there with a heart full of pride and love. Hazel also had a soft spot for her grand-dogs and great grand-dogs and always made it a point to tell her granddaughters to “give that dog a kiss from me” when ending a phone call.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents Joseph & Clara Jones, sisters Charlotte (Laverne) Breiwick, Dorothy (Gilman) Bolstad, Ethel (Melvin) Fuhre, Mildred (Romey) Bendel, and Caroline (John) O’Meara, as well as her brothers Harry (Millie) Jones and Lewis (Beverly) Jones.

She is survived by her husband Ray Anderson, son James (Juliann) Anderson, granddaughters Megan Anderson and McKenzie (Chris) Benton, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Hazel’s family would like to say a special thank you to all of the staff at the Onalaska Care Center, the hospice staff from Agrace, pastoral visits from Pastor Bruce Bartel, and her longtime physician, Dr. Petra Nedoba, at Mayo Clinic.

Services will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Faith United Methodist Church, 1818 Redfield Street, La Crosse, WI with visitation at 10:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Faith United Methodist Church or to the Coulee Region Humane Society.