Hazel Nanny Schleicher

   Hazel was born as one of 10 children to Arvid and Amelia (Arola) Suvanto at her parents farm in Green Valley Township northwest of Menahga, MN. She attended country school near her home and went on to attend high school in Menahga where she graduated with the Class of 1952. As a young woman, Hazel ventured to Minneapolis where she cared for children for a prominent family. During a short visit back home, Hazel caught the wink of a handsome young man named Richard (Dick) Schleicher at a dance in Wolf Lake. The two fell in love and became inseparable. They were united in marriage on June 7, 1953 at Bethany Lutheran Church near Wolf Lake. Their union was blessed with five children: Paula, Richard Jr., Brian, Rhonda and Eric. After getting married, the newlyweds headed to Texas where Richard was stationed in the Airforce and went on to serve in a career that spanned 22 years. Hazel devoted herself to making a warm and loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious blueberry pancakes, homemade pies and Puerto Rican dishes that were her family’s favorites. She was a perfectionist in her housekeeping duties and she used those skills cleaning Air Force officer’s homes never failing a “white glove” inspection. She was involved with her children as a volunteer Den Mother for Brownies and Girl Scouts and as a Pack Leader for Cub Scouts. Following Richard’s retirement from the Air Force, they returned to Minnesota and settled in Park Rapids and opened Schleicher’s Steak House in Nevis where she made many lasting friendships. Hazel enjoyed entertaining and serving good meals to her friends at their home or cabin. Hazel made everyone feel welcome. The majority of her free time was spent volunteering at the Wolf Lake VFW, The Park Rapids Eagles Club or the American Legion Club in Park Rapids. Hazel and Dick were famous for their annual St. Patrick’s Day Corn Beef and Cabbage Supper which they hosted for many years and still continues today at the Park Rapids American Legion. She was known as “the Queen” of the dice game 10,000 of which she was always the winner. In 2015, Hazel’s health began to fail and she became a resident of the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home where she appreciated the care and help she received. The staff has said that she kept them laughing and was considered one of their favorites.    Hazel will be lovingly remembered by her children: Rick (Annie), Brian (Patsy), Rhonda (Jim) and Eric; as well as her son-in-law, Chuck; her nine precious grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; her three sisters: Lillian Koski, Doris Suvanto and Margaret Grangruth; her brother, Gene (Sherri) Suvanto as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.    She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her daughter, Paula; her parents; four brothers and a sister.