Hazel Dettmer

Hazel Mary Dettmer, 98, of Zumbrota, died Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Zumbrota Care Center. She was born on February 19, 1927, the 8th child of nine, to Harvey and Minnie (Getschmann) Roper. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Frontenac. In 1947, she married Pete Klindworth and they later divorced. To this union they had one daughter, Linda Lou, who passed away on September 8, 2009. Hazel later married Leroy Dettmer.Hazel was raised on the family farm in Wells Creek, near Frontenac. She helped her dad with chores and milked cows by hand. She always said she was glad she was brought up on the family farm, as hard work didn’t hurt anyone and you knew how to work and respect people. She attended a one room school house through 8th grade and walked a mile both ways. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Lake City in 1947. During that time, she worked so she could receive room and board and graduate from high school. Later she quit work in town to go home and work for her dad, as he could not get any farm hands to help out. Hazel was very thankful as she learned a lot. Hazel sang in the choir in high school and church. She helped organize the Zumbro Falls Lioness Club and serving as president and secretary. She was in ladies aid at Lincoln Trinity Lutheran Church, also serving as president and secretary. She loved country and gospel music and country singer Vince Gill along with the Polka Dots Band. Playing cards and dancing were her favorite things to do.Hazel was a homemaker, but also worked as a bartender, waitress and also catered weddings and anniversaries. All her food was made by scratch. She loved to cook and bake and was noted for her buns and pies along with other great treats. Something else she learned from her mother was to always send a card, letters and thank you cards. 

Hazel is survived by many nieces and nephews, two stepsons, Dan and Larry Dettmer; several step grandchildren and special goddaughter, Jean (Scot) Meyer of Lake City. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; daughter, Linda; husband, Leroy; brothers, Ralph, Earl, Harry; sisters, Esther, Luella, Olga, Wilhelmina, Louise; step grandson, Trevor Dettmer and step daughter, Eileen. 

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church in Zumbrota with Reverend Alan Horn officiating. Burial will be at the Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota and at the church for one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln Trinity Lutheran Church or Chapel of the Air.