Hazel Luella Thykeson

Hazel Thykeson, 91, of Mayville, ND, died Monday, July 28, 2008, at the Luther Memorial Home of Mayville. She was born June 2, 1917, near Dunn Center, ND, the daughter of Andrew and Hulda Skjefte. She was raised and educated in the Dunn Center area. When she was eighteen years old, she moved with her family to Blabon, ND, and started working on various farms. On October 9, 1939, she was united in marriage to Arthur Thykeson in Portland, ND. The couple farmed in Sherbrook and Golden Lake Townships until they retired in 1976, and they purchased a home in Mayville. They raised four children and in 1959, her nieces, Sharon and Cheryl Aldrich came to live with them. After retirement, the couple wintered eighteen years in Palm Reseca Park in Brownsville Texas. The couple sold their home and moved into Sun Center Apartments, Mayville in 2001. Arthur died on December 3, 2003. Hazel entered the Luther Memorial Home in 2007. Hazel was a member of Bang Lutheran Church of rural Portland and taught Sunday School for twenty one years. She also taught Bible School and was a 4H leader for several years. She enjoyed gardening and helping on the farm. She is survived by her two sons: Arlo (Rebecca) of Snoqualmie, WA, and Merlin (Karen) of Hayden, ID; 7 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; Hazel is also survived by two foster daughters: Sharon Stephens of Willis, TX and Cheryl (David) Skordahl of St. Michael, MN; two sisters: Ina Mae Moe of Finley, ND and Evelyn Newland of Mora, MN; one brother: Milton Skjefte of Bagley, MN; one daughter-in-law: Marie Thykeson of Lewiston, ID; one son-in-law: Eric Strand of Prior Lake, MN and one sister-in-law: Hazel Knutson of Portland. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur; daughter, Phyllis Strand; son, Lowell; grandson, Randy Strand; five sisters and two brothers. Funeral: 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 2, 2008, at Bang Lutheran Church, Portland, ND. Visitation: Friday, August 1, 2008, from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM at the Luther Memorial Home, Mayville, ND, and one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial: Bang Cemetery, Portland, ND.