Hazel Marie Giere (nee Teien)

Nov. 21, 1933 – Jan. 19, 2025

Hazel Marie Giere (nee Teien) died peacefully on Jan. 19, 2025, in Rosemount, Minn.

She was born to Alfred and Martha (nee Ostebo) Teien in Benson, Minn., on Nov. 21, 1933.

Hazel was predeceased by her parents, husband Frederic, her younger brother Alfred (Bud) Teien and her son John Edward Giere.

She is survived by daughter Martha (Mark) Glende, son Nils (Linda) Giere and nephews Paul and Mark Teien. Additionally, she is survived by five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Hazel was a gifted student and accomplished musician and vocalist. She attended elementary through high school in her hometown of Benson with many roles along the way. She was valedictorian of her high school graduating class. She was well-skilled with organ, piano, oboe and the glockenspiel. She also found time for volunteering by serving as a hospital aide and as church organist.

She attended Luther College, graduating in 1955 with a double major in English and music.

After graduation, she married Dr. Frederic Arthur Giere. Hazel followed her new husband and his career to university teaching positions and endocrine research positions in New Mexico, Iowa, Illinois and Norway. Frederic and Hazel had three children (Nils, John and Martha) while living in Decorah, Iowa, where he was a professor at Luther College.

Aside from raising three children, Hazel filled her time in service to others within the community. They spent the majority of their married life in Illinois, where Dr. Giere was chairman of the biology department at Lake Forest College.

After his retirement, they moved to Cedarburg, Wis., to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Retirement proved to be just as busy, with both Frederic and Hazel serving those less fortunate than themselves. They were active participants in church congregations throughout their married life.

The family is grateful to the staff at Rosemount Senior Living, who provided loving, compassionate and thoughtful care for Hazel in her last years — providing a supportive and happy home for her since Frederic’s passing.

A private memorial service for Hazel will take place at a later date with interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery alongside Frederic.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton, Wis., or others of your choosing.