Hazel Peters, 96 of Freeport IL., passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024 at Ascension Living Saint Joseph Village. She was born on August 18,1927 in Pecatonica and was the daughter of Harm and Edna (Zaedow) Bruning. She was one of eight children.

When she was in 4th grade, her family moved to East Kelly Road in Pecatonica where she went to a one room school.  She graduated from Leaf River high school. Her first job was a Crum & Forrester in Freeport. She had several clerical positions before finishing her working career in the cafeteria at Kelly Springfield.

December 6, 1953, she married LaVerne Peters of Forreston.  He preceded her in death on November 19, 2002. From the late 1970's to 2002, she and LaVerne operated "Hazel's Antiques".  They traveled to many antique shows and flea markets.  They made lifelong friends and shared many good times.

Hazel loved her family and friends.  She enjoyed her church family and was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran since 1961. She loved to cook and bake.  She always shared her Christmas cookies and her famous peanut brittle.  She enjoyed having friends visit her.

Survivors include – daughter Debra Groezinger, granddaughters Krystal (Greg) Montgomery and Lacey Van Fossen, 11 great grandchildren, brother-in-law Ronald Wiese, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband LaVerne Peters, sons Allen and Barry Peters, her parents, brothers Leroy, Leslie, Wilbur and Herman Bruning, sisters Dorothy Bruning, Lucille Bruning and Lana Wiese, and son in law John Groezinger.

Special thank you to her friends Celia and Sue who helped with her care the past couple of years.  Thank you to the staff at Ascension Living Saint Joseph Village and the FHN Hospice team for their care during her final weeks.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1320 S. Blackhawk Ave, Freeport, IL. Pastor Willis Schwichtenberg will officiate. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Private family committal will take place after the service.  In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.  Condolences can be shared with the family at www.walkermortuary.com.