Hazel, 92, of East Helena, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on Monday, July 17, 2017.
Hazel was born in East Helena on January 7, 1925. She was the third of eight children born to Arthur and Bessie Mergenthaler. Hazel attended East Helena public schools from first through eighth grade, then attended Helena High School.
Hazel played on local women’s softball teams in the 1940’s and 1950’s, capturing four state titles in the 1950’s for sponsors Kessler Brewery and Day’s Plasterers. These teams were recently inducted into the Helena Sports Hall of Fame.
Hazel also loved music, playing the violin at a young age before learning to play the piano on her own. Hazel and her siblings formed a band and played at dances and other functions in Helena, East Helena, and surrounding communities.
Hazel met her future husband, Wayne, while she worked at Woolworth’s in Helena and they were married on June 19, 1960 at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Helena. Hazel lived with Wayne at their home in East Helena until he passed away on October 25, 2013.
Hazel is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Bessie; sisters Dorothy (Greg) Schaff, Bessie (Gene) Kaltenbach, Margie (Dave) Smith; and brothers Lester Mergenthaler, Clarence (Dorothy) Mergenthaler, and Lloyd (Teddy) Mergenthaler.
Hazel is survived by sister Bertha (Morris) Pietz; daughter Kerry (Sean) Logan; son Karl (Rhonda) Krieger; grandchildren Matthew, Meghan, and Sarah; as well as many nieces, nephews, and their children.
The community of East Helena was very important to Hazel, so the family requests donations be made to the East Helena Cemetery Association. The family would also like to thank Jo and LeRoy Gibson at Our House Assisted Living; Dr. Andrew Gilbert; Kristen Jaster, NP; and the staff at Frontier Home Health and Hospice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Hazel.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the reception
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the reception
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Share
Susan Mergenthaler says
Aunt Hazel was a true matriarch. She is loved and will be missed. My prayers are with the her family.
Larry says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Krieger Family.
Your Friends,
The Sickerson Family
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Karl, Rhonda and Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and Prayers to you.
Marsha and Leon Belville
Nancy Foley Young says
To the family of Hazel M. Krieger. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you. Isaiah 25:8.
Arlene Troy says
Karl, Rhonda and Matthew, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother/grandmother. May you find peace in the thought that the Lord wrapped his loving arms around her and took her home. Condolences and God’s Blessing to friends and family.