Hazel Carter
d. July 15, 2023
Hazel Carter, age 77, of Granite Falls, Minnesota passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11 AM at the United Church of Christ in Granite Falls, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the church and will continue one hour prior to the service.
Hazel Darlene Carter was born on July 17, 1945, in Sacred Heart, Minnesota, the daughter of Emil and Arlene (Steinbach) Knutson. She grew up in Sacred Heart and attended school there until her graduation in 1963.
Hazel was married to Woodrow “Butch” West, Jr and became a mom to Faye and Sheila. She started working at Clarkfield Care Center and her love of nursing was born. While working there, Hazel began studying to receive her LPN degree from Willmar Technical College.
In 1974, Hazel started her career at the Granite Falls Hospital and went on to get her RN degree. Through the years she worked nearly everywhere at the hospital. Hazel was one of the surgical techs, she worked on the floor, OB, ER and became the Director of Nursing. Her love of learning continued and she earned a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration.
On September 6, 1977, Hazel married Darrell Carter in Granite Falls, Minnesota, and to this union she gained a step daughter Dawn. Hazel and Darrell were members of the United Church of Christ where Hazel enjoyed being part of the choir.
Hazel served on various boards through the years. She was instrumental in organizing the Granite Falls Ambulance service into the respected EMS that it is today. Hazel’s drive and vision were focused on the success of the community’s health care.
Hazel loved to travel, some may even say that was her second vocation! Her gift of organization didn’t end at work, this same quality lead to fantastic trips all over the world. Hazel’s thoughtful vacation plans included many hidden gems, only a well versed ‘travel agent’ would know. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, sewing and crocheting like her mother did. Above all, Hazel was a devoted and committed wife and mother. She supported her husband in his endeavors and gave unconditional love to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Hazel is survived by her husband, Dr. Darrell Carter of Granite Falls; daughters, Sheila (Jeff) VanOverbeke of Granite Falls, Dawn (Steve) Leigh of Janesville; grandsons, Chad VanOverbeke (special friend, Taylor and son, Jake Jorgensen), Patrick Leigh, Ryan Leigh; great grandchildren, Myracle “Jesse” VanOverbeke, Brailee VanOverbeke, Thomas VanOverbeke, extended great grandchild, Samone Farris, siblings, Elaine (Gale) Burns, John (Michelle) Knutson, Owen Imes (special friend, Heather Johnsrud); brother and sisters-in-laws, Bill Andes, Terrie Knutson, Lori Carter; as well as other relatives and friends.
Hazel is preceded in death by her father, Emil Knutson; mother, Arlene Imes and step father, Orville Imes; daughter, Faye; grandson, Bradley VanOverbeke; sister, Joyce Andes; brother, Elmer Knutson; brother-in-law, Ken Carter, niece, Kim Nelson and nephew, Wade Burns.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are respectfully requested to the organizations Hazel supported; Granite Falls Area Community Foundation, Pioneer PBS, the Granite Falls Ambulance and Granite Falls United Church of Christ Memorial Bequest and Special Gift Fund.
Hazel Darlene Carter was born on July 17, 1945, in Sacred Heart, Minnesota, the daughter of Emil and Arlene (Steinbach) Knutson. She grew up in Sacred Heart and attended school there until her graduation in 1963.
Hazel was married to Woodrow “Butch” West, Jr and became a mom to Faye and Sheila. She started working at Clarkfield Care Center and her love of nursing was born. While working there, Hazel began studying to receive her LPN degree from Willmar Technical College.
In 1974, Hazel started her career at the Granite Falls Hospital and went on to get her RN degree. Through the years she worked nearly everywhere at the hospital. Hazel was one of the surgical techs, she worked on the floor, OB, ER and became the Director of Nursing. Her love of learning continued and she earned a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration.
On September 6, 1977, Hazel married Darrell Carter in Granite Falls, Minnesota, and to this union she gained a step daughter Dawn. Hazel and Darrell were members of the United Church of Christ where Hazel enjoyed being part of the choir.
Hazel served on various boards through the years. She was instrumental in organizing the Granite Falls Ambulance service into the respected EMS that it is today. Hazel’s drive and vision were focused on the success of the community’s health care.
Hazel loved to travel, some may even say that was her second vocation! Her gift of organization didn’t end at work, this same quality lead to fantastic trips all over the world. Hazel’s thoughtful vacation plans included many hidden gems, only a well versed ‘travel agent’ would know. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, sewing and crocheting like her mother did. Above all, Hazel was a devoted and committed wife and mother. She supported her husband in his endeavors and gave unconditional love to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Hazel is survived by her husband, Dr. Darrell Carter of Granite Falls; daughters, Sheila (Jeff) VanOverbeke of Granite Falls, Dawn (Steve) Leigh of Janesville; grandsons, Chad VanOverbeke (special friend, Taylor and son, Jake Jorgensen), Patrick Leigh, Ryan Leigh; great grandchildren, Myracle “Jesse” VanOverbeke, Brailee VanOverbeke, Thomas VanOverbeke, extended great grandchild, Samone Farris, siblings, Elaine (Gale) Burns, John (Michelle) Knutson, Owen Imes (special friend, Heather Johnsrud); brother and sisters-in-laws, Bill Andes, Terrie Knutson, Lori Carter; as well as other relatives and friends.
Hazel is preceded in death by her father, Emil Knutson; mother, Arlene Imes and step father, Orville Imes; daughter, Faye; grandson, Bradley VanOverbeke; sister, Joyce Andes; brother, Elmer Knutson; brother-in-law, Ken Carter, niece, Kim Nelson and nephew, Wade Burns.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are respectfully requested to the organizations Hazel supported; Granite Falls Area Community Foundation, Pioneer PBS, the Granite Falls Ambulance and Granite Falls United Church of Christ Memorial Bequest and Special Gift Fund.
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