Hazel (Smith) V. Huebner, age 90, died on Monday, September 15, 2014, at her residence surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
She was born on June 14, 1924, in Wellington, New Zealand, daughter of the late Thomas and Sarah (Stuart) Smith. On June 12, 1943, she was united in marriage to Francis Huebner while he was stationed with the 2nd Marine Corp Division during WWII in Wellington, New Zealand. While Francis was away fighting in the South Pacific, Hazel worked as a conductress on the trams. Hazel gave birth to their first child, Leonard in New Zealand while Francis was still away fighting in the South Pacific. In September of 1945, she traveled to the United States on a troop ship carrying war brides. Hazel arrived in New Orleans in October 1945. They raised 11 children while living and farming in the Town of Lebanon. Hazel enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, polka music, Packer games and reading.
Hazel is survived by her daughters: Bonnie (Frank) Rutledge, Hoopeston, IL; Susan (Bob Nehring) Huebner, New London; Jane (Gerald) Young, Bear Creek; Jackie (Scot) Schneidewend, Clintonville; sons: Dale (Julie), Cecil; David (Sarah), Waupaca; Thomas (Carol), Fredericksburg, IA; Patrick (Tara), Shiocton and Michael, New London; sister Ngaire Green, Paraparaumu, New Zealand. She is further survived by 32 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Marion Mathewson, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Francis; two sons, Leonard and Roy; two grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters.
Funeral Mass for Hazel will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bear Creek with Fr. Jack Mullarkey and Parish Director Lincoln Wood officiating. Visitation will be held at the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London, on Monday, from 4-8 p.m. and also at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com