Hazel Wittenberg

Hazel Marie Wittenberg passed away on July 24, 2023, in her hometown of Litchfield, Minnesota. She was born on May 8, 1931, to Alice Marie Sand and John Rudolph Johnson.

Hazel was baptized on May 27, 1931, confirmed on September 1, 1946, and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1949. She was married to George Wittenberg at Beckville Lutheran Church on October 16, 1949. Hazel embraced the role of a devoted wife and mother—two roles that brought immeasurable joy to her life.

Hazel was involved in many different clubs and religious activities. She volunteered to teach Sunday School, was a room mother at school, and taught confirmation classes in order to share her faith with younger generations. She was also a member of Bible Study, Circle, WELCA, the Church Council, and did quilting with the church ladies. In addition to these groups, Hazel was a 4-H leader, part of a bowling league, part of several card clubs, and she was a longtime member of the Harvey Happy Homemakers extension group. She was also a hospice volunteer helping families through bereavement.

Hazel enjoyed hosting gatherings and farming. She always had the coffee pot on with homemade treats for neighbors and friends.

Hazel is survived by her beloved daughters: Gail (Geary) Olsen of Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota; Betty (Donald) Schultz of Litchfield, Minnesota; and Peggy (Curt) Meidinger of Zeeland, North Dakota. She is also survived by several grandchildren: Joel Schrotberger, Jeanna Schultz, Brad (Kathy Kaping) Schultz, Jeff Schultz, Tyler (Kaitlyn) Meidinger, and Trevor Meidinger; and great-grandchildren: Hannah Schrotberger, Sean Schrotberger, Mya Schultz, Kinlee Meidinger, and Sutton Meidinger.

Hazel is now reunited with her loving husband, George Wittenberg, who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Alice Marie Sand and John Rudolph Johnson, and her siblings, baby Agnes Mae, Dorothy Nelson, Grace Farnquist, Ralph Johnson, Andrew Johnson, and Donald Johnson.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on July 29, 2023, at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral & Cremation Service in Litchfield, Minnesota. The visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will follow at the same location starting at 11:00 a.m., celebrating Hazel's life and the legacy she leaves behind. A burial ceremony will take place at Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield, Minnesota after the services, with a luncheon at the Eagles Club to follow.