Hazel Marie Knies, 97, of Preston, Minn., passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Traditions of Preston in Preston.
Hazel was born November 19, 1928, in rural Allamakee County, Iowa, to Frank and Caroline (Jahn) Ranzenberger. She attended country school in Dorchester, Iowa, and graduated salutatorian of the 1946 class at Spring Grove High School. In 1947, she was united in marriage with Kenneth Carl Ostern and together they had four children: Lynn, Diana, Juanita and Kevin.
Hazel was united in marriage to Charles “Chuck” Knies on December 26, 1971, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, blending their two families together. Hazel worked alongside Chuck at their business, Northwest Aluminum, where they started out manufacturing custom aluminum storm windows.
Hazel had many different hobbies, including quilting, knitting, reading, golfing, walking and playing cards. She took pride in being a part of the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary. She was a very strong and independent woman which enabled her to raise her children on her own. She was proud of her family, and enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up.
Hazel is survived by her three children: Lynn (Arnold) Benson of Preston, Minn., Diana (Charles) Poppe of Rushford, Minn., and Kevin Ostern of Preston, Minn.; her stepchildren: Sandra Bonk of Hilo, Hawaii, Jeffrey (Roxie) Knies of Preston, Minn., and Deborah (Jon) Levendoski of West Salem, Wis.; her brother Burdell Ranzenberger of West Fargo, N. Dak.; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, nine stepgrandchildren, 10 step-great-grandchildren, and three step-great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Chuck Knies, daughter Juanita (Heinz) Pineas, stepson Michael Knies, and her seven siblings.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, with Pastor Kris Hertsgaard-Kincaid officiating. A visitation will be held an hour prior at the church on Saturday. Inurnment will be held in Crownhill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to a charity of your choice.
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