In Memory of Hazel Belstene

Hazel Belstene, age 103, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Morningside Care & Rehab Center in Ida Grove, Iowa.
            Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend DeeAnn Klapp will officiate, with burial to follow in the Odebolt Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Monday from 4-7 p.m. at the Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt.  
            Born August 27, 1909, in Hayes Township, Ida County, Iowa, Hazel Cecelia Belstene was the daughter of Alfred and Beda (Skager) Eng.  She attended country school and graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1927.
            Hazel taught school in Grant and Hayes Townships for four years.  She was baptized and became a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Arthur.  Hazel later joined the Baptist Church where she taught Women’s Sunday school and served as Sunday school superintendent.  On September 28, 1980, she joined the United Methodist Church in Odebolt. In earlier years she was active as WMS president and secretary, Deaconess, and communion steward.
            Hazel was united in marriage to Earl Belstene on August 31, 1933, at the Baptist parsonage in Arthur, Iowa, by Reverend A.W. Ericson.  The couple lived on the farm until 1961, then made their home in Odebolt.
            Survivors include a son, Eldon (Shirley) Belstene of Arthur; a son-in-law, Norman VanHouten of Omaha, NE; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; three nieces; as well as a host of extended family members and friends.
            She was preceded in death by her husband Earl in 1978; her children, Audrey (Ronald) Steuk, LaVon VanHouten, Larry Belstene, and an infant son; a grandson, Bradley VanHouten; four brothers, Carl, Clarence, Harry, and Elmer Eng; and an infant sister, Mildred.