Hazel McKeever, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024 at the Warroad Senior Living Center at the age of 96. Born on December 25, 1927 in Kenora, Ontario. Hazel was the youngest of seven children born to Matilda and Edward Martin. Her early years were filled with warmth and camaraderie of a large family, shaping her into the caring and resilient woman she became.
Hazel’s life was forever changed when she met her future husband, Charles McKeever, during her youth. Their love story began when she traveled with her sister, Hattie, to Flag Island, where Hattie worked for a time for Charles’ mother, Georgia McKeever. On this chance encounter blossomed into a deep and enduring love, leading to their marriage on February 15, 1947 in Warroad, MN.
Together, Hazel and Charles raised five children- Patricia (Dick) Johnson, Richard (Patricia) McKeever, Shelia (Steve) Stoskopf, Katherine McKeever, and JoeLyn (Roger) Landin. The McKeever family spent over five decades building a life and legacy at Flag Island Resort, where Hazel’s warmth and hospitality made every visitor feel like family.
Hazel had a true passion for cooking and entertaining, skills that she perfected over the years. Her kitchen was always filled with comforting aromas of home-cooked meals, and her love of sharing food brought people together. Even after retiring from the resort, Hazel continued to share her talents with the community by working for several years in the snack bar at the casino in Warroad, where she was a friendly and familiar face to many.
Hazel and Charles were blessed with a large and loving family, including 13 grandchildren: Nathan McKeever, Erinn Comstock, Blair (Megan) Comstock, Julie McKeever, Richard Allen (Lisa) McKeever, Brian McKeever, Sybil (John) McLaughlin, Alex (Amanda) Stoskopf, Linzi (Ryan) Hochstedler, Wilder (Natalie) Morey, Amber (Robert) Witbrodt, Corey (Sheyanne) Landin, and Kalie (Tristan) Barkhaus. They also welcomed many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren into their lives, each one bringing immense joy and pride to Hazel.
Hazel was preceded in death by her husband Charles; parents Matilda and Edward Martin; siblings John Kipling Jr, Ben, Ed Ann, Hattie, and Mary; grandson Baby McKeever; and granddaughter Julie McKeever.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Warroad Senior Living Center for the compassionate care and kindness they provided to Hazel during her time there.
A memorial service to celebrate Hazel’s life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11:00am at Zion Lutheran Church. Friends and family are invited to gather to honor the life of a remarkable woman who touched so many lives.
Last modified: 09/10/2024
