Hazel Gillis

Our sweet Hazel, we will miss you.

We will keep you in our hearts forever.

Hazel Ruth Pepin, the daughter of Antoine and Eva (Fournier) Pepin, was born on April 25, 1926.

Losing her father at the very innocent age of three weeks, Hazel’s mother raised her, along with eight siblings.

After graduating from Gladstone High School in 1945, she earned her beauty license from The Wisconsin College of Cosmetology in Green Bay.

Hazel married her high school sweetheart, Tony Gillis, on Sept. 6, 1947. They lovingly raised three daughters. Hazel embraced the role of being a full time homemaker and mother.

Hazel and Tony shared 37 wonderful years together before Tony passed away in 1984. Broken hearted, Hazel selflessly continued to care for her family. Hazel’s kitchen was the place to be! Her door was always open and the coffee pot always on. Everyone was greeted with a smile, hug and the aroma of fresh baked goods. The love and laughter that took place in her kitchen was treasured by all.

It was no secret that Hazel got a kick out of putting up a wager on almost anything that could profit her a win. She loved winning football pools (with a little help from her special friend Bobby), hosting Saturday night poker games, cribbage challenges, casino runs and scratch off tickets. You would recognize a win by her infectious squeal and giggle.

Hazel lived life with a smile on her face and love in her heart.

The family would like to thank every person who cared for Hazel while living at Bishop Noa Home.

Hazel is survived by: three daughters, Jeannie Ryan of Gladstone, Mich., Nancy (Tim) LeGault of Gladstone, Mich., and Cathy (Byron) Suster of DePere, Wis,; one brother, Robert “Chizel” (Elaine) Pepin of Escanaba, Mich.; six grandchildren, Jason (Angela) Micheau, Erin (Casey) Kopitzke, Maggie (Chris) Dame, Charlie McGinn, Catherine LeGault and Mary LeGault; four great-grandchildren, Abigail Micheau and Jacob Micheau, Sam Kopitzke and Christina Dame; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Hazel is preceded in death by: husband, Tony Gillis; brothers, Raymond Pepin, Norman (Isabel) Pepin, Fritz (Thelma) Pepin and Donald (Charlotte) Erickson; sisters, Violet Hansen, Pearl (Ralph) Walsh and Jeannette Hickcox; son-in-law, Ivan Ryan; and great-granddaughter, Catherine Kopitzke.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Prayers of Transfer will conclude visiting hours at 2:30 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Hazel’s grandchildren: Jason, Erin, Maggie, Charlie, Catherine and Mary will proudly serve as pallbearers. Hazel will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Gillis family. Please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com where you can leave a message of condolence to the family.