Family surrounded Hazel Wepking, of Collinsville, this week; but on November 29th she slipped away to heaven at the age 97. Hazel will be missed greatly by her family.

Hazel was born February 1, 1927 in Reydell, Arkansas to William and Emma Taylor (nee Putman). She was the fourth of six siblings. All of whom have preceded her in death.

During World War II Hazel worked on bombers at Grider Army Airfield in Arkansas, and there she met Arvin (Frank) Wepking, whom she later married on June 26th, 1944. They were blessed to celebrate 65 years together until he passed away in 2009.

Hazel and Frank were blessed with three children. JoEtta (Harold) Stief, Gwendilyn (James) Staley and Russell (Diane) Wepking who greatly enriched their lives with 7 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren. She asked often about each and every one of them.

Grandchildren: Tammy (Jody) Brandt, Debra (Christopher)Phillips, Deanna (Mark) Wheeler, Allan (Janae) Staley, Laure (Brian) Ryterski and Tara Wepking.

Great Grandchildren: Erica (Todd) Dragoo, Austin (Leanne) Wagoner, JoEtta (Daniel) Hancock, Josiah Wagoner, KaLynna (Daniel) D ykema, Luke (Jess) Phillips, Ethan Phillips, Breanna Phillips, Savannah (Connor) Detering, Gabe (Brianna) Wheeler, Jocob Wheeler, Elijah Staley, Nathan Staley, Evie Staley, Benjamin Staley, Charlotte Ryterski, Julia Ryterski and Maggie Ryterski.
Great Great Grandchildren: Wade Dragoo, Simon Wagoner, Henry Wagoner, Vera Wagoner, Micah Wagoner, Levi Wagoner, Wyatt Wheeler, Jayce Wheeler, Elias Wheeler

Hazel was a huge Cardinal baseball fan. She enjoyed watching the games and talked about them for days. She embroidered pillow cases, making decorative kitchen towels and working crossword puzzles were a few of her hobbies.

Funeral services for Hazel Wepking will be officiated by Rev. Douglas A. White, and held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Edgemont Bible Church, 5100 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, Illinois.

Visitation will be at 10am and the service will begin at 11am.

Hazel Wepking will be laid to rest at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Edgemont Bible Church.

The family is being served by Herr Funeral Home, 501 West Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois.