Hazel Stoltz

     This memorial website was created to remember Hazel G. Stoltz who passed away on April 1, 2009. She will live forever in our memories and hearts.

     Hazel G. Stoltz, 87, of Peoria, formerly of Elmwood, passed away at 12:45 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at Manor Court of Peoria.

     She was born on December 8, 1921 in St. Louis, a daughter of Walter H. and Hazel St. Claire Pickett. After the death of her mother, she was raised by her maternal grandparents, James J. and Martha (Apple) Garland. She married John E. Stoltz on June 7th of 1941 in St. Louis. He preceded her in death on July 6th of 1988 in Peoria.

     Hazel is survived by her son, Mark (Marsha) Stoltz of Peoria; daughters, Debbie (Bill) Allen of Edelstein and Barb (Steve) Lulay of Two Harbors, MN; six grandchildren, Ann Stoltz of Peoria, Joe Stoltz of Chicago, Dave (Angie) Stoltz of Macomb, Tim (Sarah) Allen of Farmington, Doug (Teresa) Allen of Hanna City and Beth Allen of Peoria; and great granddaughter, Katie Allen of Farmington.

     In 1939, she graduated from the prestigious St. Louis preparatory school, The Mary Institute. She was a homemaker and a member of the Entre Nous Club of Peoria and the Elmwood EOW. She also enjoyed volunteering at Wildlife Prairie Park and Proctor Hospital Gift Shops for many years.

     Hazel enjoyed golf, reading, needlework, knitting and vacationing in northern Wisconsin. She was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears. When Mark was a child, she would take him to Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis to watch the Cardinals from the bleachers. While watching the Bears, she always kept a foam brick close to her - so she would have something to throw at the television.

     She loved Big Band music and taking dance lessons with her husband. Before John went overseas, during World War II, she was a follower of his twenty-two-piece band. Her children are proud of her and John for the example they set with over forty years of marriage.

     Hazel loved her family and enjoyed spending as much time as she could with them, especially during the holidays. She will be remembered as a loving wife and a strong-willed and independent woman.

     She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Peoria, where funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2009, with the Rev. Mark J. Nelson officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2009, at Clary Funeral Home in Peoria. Interment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

     Memorial contributions may be made in Hazel’s memory to the St. Jude Mid-West Affiliate.

     Hazel’s Memorial Website and online condolences may be accessed at www.ClaryFunerals.com.