Hazel Palmer (née Smith), age 95 of Redwood Falls, MN, passed away April 23, 2024. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on April 4, 1929, in Alabama, Hazel was the daughter of James and Emma Smith. Hazel led a remarkable life filled with compassion, energy, and resilience. She grew up as a sharecropper’s daughter in rural Alabama, overcoming challenges with her resourcefulness and hard work. Hazel held various jobs before meeting her beloved husband of 53 years, Bob. They married in 1954 and eventually settled in Redwood Falls in 1957. Embracing her new community, she actively participated in local organizations and events, leaving a lasting impact. Hazel was a trailblazer, becoming the first woman on the board of the Redwood Golf Club and a founding member of the Audacia Study Club. Hazel enjoyed a variety of hobbies and activities, being a member of the snowmobile club, bowling leagues and playing bridge. Gardening and its resulting pickling brought the world’s best sweet gherkins to the table. She had great taste in personal style and home decor, resulting in her involvement with “Parade of Homes”. This was an opportunity to show pride in her community, provide awareness to fellow residents, and an opportunity to show her own home, of which she was very proud. Her love for walking, exercise, and entertaining reflected her vibrant personality and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This played large in one of her favorite pastimes, golf. She went on to win the Redwood Women’s Invitational on three separate occasions. A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Redwood Falls, Hazel found solace and community in her faith. Family was at the center of Hazel’s life. Her tireless work making a beautiful, inviting home for her husband and four boys was only exceeded by the support and love she fostered through her years as a wife and mother. There was nothing this mama bear would not do for them. Hazel Palmer will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, leaving a legacy of kindness, strength, and joy.

Hazel is survived by her sons: Mark (Susan), Stephen (Tanya), David (Christine); grandchildren: Hannah Sowards, Bonnie Kalner, Emily Palmer-Jordan, Danielle Palmer and James Palmer; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, son Thomas, and her twelve siblings.