Hazel Louise Salin

Hazel L. Salin, 95 of Crystal Falls, went peacefully to be with the Lord. She was surrounded with the love of her family. She was born on March 8, 1920 in Alpha, MI,daughter of the late Walter and Elizabeth (James) Gollakner. Hazel attended school in Iron County, graduating from Alpha High School in 1938. She met her husband Clifford at a Crystal Falls Township Hall Dance in the 30's, and they were married on May 17, 1941. He preceded her in death in 1991. They resided in Crystal Falls until building a new home on the Salin family property in Mastodon Township. Hazel taught Sunday school and folded bulletins at First Lutheran Church, now United Lutheran Church, for many years. She was a faithful member of United Lutheran Church. Hazel served on the Mastodon Township School Board in the 60's and also served on the Mastodon Township Board of Review where she was a Trustee for 5 years. She also served as the Township Treasurer for 4 years. Hazel worked as a Nurse's Aide for 16 years at Crystal Manor. She served as President, Treasurer, and District Treasurer for the Tufts-Rondon VFW #2891 Ladies Auxillary. She ran Youth Dances and Bingo at the hall for many years. She also called members on birthdays and sent get well cards. She loved to volunteer at the Medicare until it got too hard to push others in wheelchairs. In her later years, Hazel traveled to California, Washington D.C., and Florida to visit relatives. One of her more memorable escapades was a balloon ride over Kalamazoo. Hazel was an exceptional person who always took the time to help out when help was needed. Her door was always open to friends. Her welcome was nearly always followed by "do you want something to eat?" and in her goodbyes, she would say, "I give hugs!" Hazel is survived by her children, Frederick (Nancy) Salin of Kalamazoo, Walter (Lesley) Salin of Iron Mountain, and Diane (Doug) Donahue of Crystal Falls; a brother, Gerhart "Babe" Gollakner of Palmetto, Florida, 5 grandchildren, Heather (Chris) Green, Graham (Cindy) Donahue, Cally Donahue (Mike Erickson & Summer), Nicholas Salin (Elyssa Hautamaki), and Eli Salin; 6 great grandchildren, Delaney, Finnian, Randi (Nikki), Chase, Scott, and Nick; 5 great-great grandchildren, Ireland, Jameson, William, Jerica, and Maddie. Also survived by special friends, Sandy Neargarth, and Helen and Alton Beck Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford, 1 brother, Walter "Sonny" Gollakner, and 3 grandchildren, Andrew Salin, Christopher Salin, and Curtis Gray. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls. The Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am at the church. Rev. Micheal Laakko will officiate. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund at the United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls. Condolences may be expressed to the family of online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with thefuneral arrangements.

Hazel Louise Salin

March 8, 1920 - December 20, 2015