Hazel Heussner

Hazel (Dietz) (Dowling) Heussner, age 100, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus her Lord and Savior on November 6, 2020 at her home.

Hazel was born on August 9, 1920 to Charles and Margaret (Egenriether) Dietz in Alpena, MI. In 1939, she was the only one of her family of nine siblings that finished high school. She married Bernard Dowling in July 1941, they enjoyed 44 years together until Bernard passed away in 1985. They were blessed with one son, Bernard Dale Dowling, four special grandchildren, Donald, David, Dale, and Douglas. Later in life, she married Les Heussner who passed away in 2003, giving her a loving extended family. She is a member of Word of Life Baptist Church.

Throughout life, Hazel’s passion were her flowers and vegetable gardens, which she enjoyed sharing with many. For over 50 years, she loved teaching Sunday school, enlightening children’s lives by sharing the knowledge of Jesus’ love through bible verse at Word of Life Baptist Church. She was the greatest prayer warrior, always getting down on both knees to say a prayer for anyone that asked. Hazel had a passion for cooking and sharing a meal with anyone she could.

Surviving Hazel are her three grandsons; Donald (Janean), David (Sue), and Dale (Jennifer). Seven great grandchildren; Dana (Eric) Hamp, Jenna (Matthew) Cottrell, Katelyn (Sean) Kane, Kiersten Dowling, Dan (Jolene) Dowling, Jason Dowling, and Kevin Meeuwenberg.

She is also survived by eight great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandchild. Also, sister-in-law Lorraine Dietz, Donna Dietz, stepson Bill (Linda) Heussner and stepdaughter-in-law, Elaine Heussner. Several nephews and nieces including Patti (Chip) Davis, Carol Johnson, Margie (Kurt) Haaxma and Helen Saddler.

Preceding Hazel in death were; son Bernard Dowling, daughter-in-law, Sandra (Fifier) Dowling, grandson Douglas Dowling, sisters; Mabel Reynolds, Florence Werth, brothers: Leonard, Carl, Ralph, Harold, Clarence, Herman, and stepsons; Larry Heussner and Mike Heussner.

Our family would like to acknowledge and thank all the exceptional caregivers that permitted her wish to stay in her home in her final days of life. We would also like to thank the staff at Hospice of Michigan who made her final days comforting and peaceful.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come unto me and forbid them not for such is the Kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:14

Visitation will take place at Bannan Funeral home on Monday from 4-7 p.m. and will continue Tuesday at Word of Life Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Scott Joy officiating.

Interment: Evergreen Cemetery

Donations may be made to Word of Life Baptist Church memorial fund or Hospice of Michigan.