Hazel Lauretta Frey Zumwalt

Hazel Lauretta Frey Zumwalt, 84, passed away January 2, 2009 in Polson, Mt. Although the following information is factual and of benefit, it certainly does not tell anyone who she was or what she meant to those who loved her. We would like to share who Hazel Lauretta Frey Zumwalt was to us, as well as a few facts.She was Hazel'Mom'Grandma'Grandma Z' and Dr. Zoomie, and we are sure many other characters throughout her life that we don't know about. And each character title has a story behind it.She did not talk much about her childhood memories, but with luck and her blessing, we were able to put together scrapbooks that begin with the early 1900's on an Iowa potato farm. Eventually the family made their way to Montana and settled. On February 16, 1924, Hazel became the youngest member of the Frey clan, joining 5 brothers and 1 sister. The Frey family moved from Bundy to St. Ignatius when Hazel was 2. She graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1944. On June 14, 1944, Hazel became a young bride to Percy 'Bud' Zumwalt. Bud and Hazel had a son, Robert and a daughter, Vicki. Both her husband and son preceded her in death in unfortunate accidents 10 weeks apart in 1965. Perhaps that is one reason she kept the story of her life well guarded. Her parents, Alfred Frey Sr. and Mina Ladehoff Frey and all 5 brothers have preceded her in death as well.Her hometown of St. Ignatius was a place where she knew everybody and everybody knew her (Along with the vintage white Volkswagen she drove). She was a nurse's aide at the hospital in St. Ignatius for nearly 30 years (hence the Dr. Zoomie). She enjoyed a multitude of things, which included endless 31 card games, finger pool (billiards), spending time with family and friends (and a much beloved friend Walter Morigeau), and many summer vacations with her daughter and granddaughter throughout the State of Montana and a few trips to Canada. She even took her first plane ride at the age of 63 to San Diego, California after her granddaughter moved there for a short time.Once a great-granddaughter came into the picture (Brittany Sturm) 'the icing on the cake', she was able to spend the first 4 months completely immersed in loving, rocking, watching, raising, and taking care of her (as long as there were no interruptions when Days of Our Lives was on!). The bond she shared with her great granddaughter was a gift that Grandma Z treasured, as well as the relationship with her immediate family.Hazel's outlook on life was to try to find laughter wherever she could, and she shared that sense of humor with all who knew her. The gals who worked with her can testify to that. She spoke her mind, was strong willed and stubborn, and she never seemed to complain even when things were tough. We would not have it any other way! She accepted the circumstances of her life these last 7 years with grace and dignity few can manage. She is our hero.Hazel Lauretta Zumwalt was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother to two children, a grandmother, a great grandmother, and a friend and confidant to many. She was brought into the world February 16, 1924 in Bundy, MT and passed peacefully of natural causes in the early morning hours of January 2, 2009 in Polson, Mt at her home of 7 years, Home Sweet Home Assisted Living. She is survived by her daughter Vicki Riebe (Gary): a granddaughter Wendy Sturm (Scott): and one very special great-granddaughter Brittany Sturm: her sister Grace Brooks (Russell) of Missoula: and many nephews and nieces, etc. Vicki's marriage to Gary brought 3 step-grandchildren and their children/grandchildren to the family as well. She has many friends, some who have gone on before her and some who are still here to say goodbye. We will miss her very much for now but we believe we will be with her again in heaven.Cremation has taken place at the Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory in Polson. A memorial service will be held sometime in the spring and the details will be published at that time. Condolences to the family at wwwgroganfuneralhome.com
Read Hazel Zumwalt's Obituary and Guestbook.