Hazel Irene Polityka, 99, of Allegan,died Wednesday, Feb. 11. She was 99.
Born Sept. 13, 1926, and raised on her family’s dairy farm in Monterey Center, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Irene (Beck) Commons. After graduating high school, Hazel worked at the Allegan Phone Company as an operator and a supervisor for many years.
She met and eventually married Henry “Hank” Polityka and they spent more than 60 years together before his passing on June 15, 2015. Hazel and Hank raised two girls together.
As a then stay at home mom, she found a unique work from home job tinting photographs for Van Melle Studios in downtown Allegan. As the girls got older, Hazel went to work for Flashes Publishing in the front office where she stayed for many years before retiring.
Still needing something to keep her busy after retiring, she took on a part-time office job downtown. Hazel also donated her time to the election board assisting at the Allegan Township voting polls.
Hazel was an avid golfer and bowler, playing in many leagues in both sports throughout the years with her husband Hank. Hazel was a skilled quilter and gardener who produced beautiful quilts and wall hangings along with colorful perennial gardens year after year.
Hazel and Hank loved spending time together traveling throughout the country. They especially enjoyed their trips out east and to Hawaii.
Shel is survived by her daughters, Karen (Don) Henning of Las Cruces, NM and Lisa (Gus) Wilhelm of Grand Rapids, MI.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will take place privately.
Memorial donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010.
