Hazel Kuiper
1921-2025
Over a century has passed since Hazel Arlene Kuiper came into the world on May 17, 1921, near Callender, Iowa; one of four children born to Frank and Daisy (Oswaldt) Rhea. She spent her childhood there along with her siblings: Irene, Louise and Orin.
Hazel received her early education through the local country school system, completing the eighth grade. She went on to graduate from Callender High School and enrolled in the Fort Dodge Beauty Academy, located in nearby Fort Dodge, Iowa. After fulfilling the required courses, Hazel earned her Beautician’s License and began managing a small beauty shop in Peterson, Iowa. While there, she met the love of her life, Mr. Albert “Bert” Kuiper.
On February 8, 1941, Bert and Hazel were married in Spencer, Iowa, living there until Bert was called to serve his country with the United States Army – just six weeks later. While he was away, Hazel remained in Spencer, managing the catalog department of Montgomery Ward during the day and helping out in her friend’s beauty shop in the evenings. Eventually, she quit her job and became a “serviceman’s wife”, living in various army camps wherever Bert would be stationed. When he was sent overseas, Hazel stayed with her folks back in Callender, waiting for the war to end. When it finally did, she and Bert picked up where they had left off, relocated to Bert’s hometown of Sanborn, Iowa and called it “home” for the remainder of their married life. They became parents to three daughters and together, successfully owned and operated Sanborn Foods for 35 years.
Keeping her household in order, staying involved with the kids’ functions and helping out at the store didn’t leave much room for leisure activity. But if she could find the time, Hazel loved to get lost in a good book or relax to the sound of music; she liked going to concerts, especially area college programs. She enjoyed golfing, taking in bus tours, playing board games with friends or just having coffee with the neighbors. But, most of all, Hazel treasured the times spent with her girls and their families.
On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Hazel passed from this life at the age of 104 years. Left to treasure her memory are her three daughters: Loretta (John) Vander Linden, Darline (Jay) Elgersma, all of Sheldon, Iowa, and Diana (Dennis) Prins of Sanborn, Iowa; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 23 great-great-grandchildren; many beloved nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert in 1998; one grandson; her parents, Frank and Daisy Rhea; sisters: Irene (George) Taylor, Louise (Harold) Nichols; and her brother, Orin (Elida) Rhea.
A funeral service was held July 19 at Christian Reformed Church, Sanborn, Iowa with Pastor Phil Westra officiating.
A quartet offered the Musical Tribute “Nearer My God To Thee” and “It Is Well With My Soul.” Jamie Carlson was the pianist.
Songs of Praise were “How Great Thou Art,” “Lead Me, Guide Me,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “Blessed Assurance.”
Pallbearers were Mike Elgersma, Scott Elgersma, Greg Rus, Sean Prins, Rick Prins, Doug Nielsen, Cory Elgersma and Jamie Elgersma.
Interment was in Roseland Cemetery of Sanborn.
Sanborn and Hartley Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.