Hazel Tumm Obituary

Hazel Tumm, 90, longtime resident of Fall Creek, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 10, 2025, at Heatherwood Assisted Living in Eau Claire, surrounded by her family.

Hazel Ione was born October 28, 1934, in Eau Claire, the youngest of eight children of Ewald and Helen (Wiese) Sommerfeldt. She was raised in rural Fall Creek, attended Pine Grove Country School and graduated from Fall Creek High School in 1952. She was a baptized and confirmed member at St. James Trinity Lutheran Church in Fall Creek, and it was here that she was also united in marriage to Arnold Tumm on June 23, 1956. The couple made their home in Fall Creek, where they raised their two daughters.

In 1980, when Hazel was just 45 years of age, her husband Arnold passed away. Prior to his passing she had worked as a waitress for Sieg's Supper Club in Fall Creek, served as secretary at St. James Trinity Lutheran Church, in addition to doing the bookwork for Tumm Distributing, the beverage distribution business she and Arnold owned and operated. In 1985, she began working for the Fall Creek School District, first in food service and then as secretary to the superintendent, a position she held until her retirement in 2003.

Hazel was active in her church and community. She was a member of the altar guild, participated in the quilting group, helped in the library, attended Bible study and served numerous church meals. She volunteered with BINGO at the Fall Creek Valley Nursing Home and at Beaver Creek Reserve. Hazel was also an active member of the Fall Creek American Legion Auxiliary.

Hazel had many hobbies, including ceramics, knitting, embroidery, counted cross-stitch and floral crafts. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening. She was known for her excellent cooking and baking. Her home was often the gathering place for large family get-togethers, especially during the holidays. Hazel treasured time with her coffee clutch friends over the years.

Hazel cherished her family above all else, taking great pride in each of them and loving them deeply, a love that was wholeheartedly returned. Her two grandsons hold dear the many memories of her constant presence and unwavering support throughout their lives. She looked forward to the family visits and getting to know her two adored great-grandchildren.

Hazel will be dearly and deeply missed by her two daughters, Dawn Pearson of Chippewa Falls, Kay and Randy Wathke of Fall Creek, grandson, Brandon and Ashly Wathke, their children, Everett and Olivia Wathke, and grandson, Tyler and Arianna Wathke, all of Fall Creek. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mary Tumm and Joyce Wathke both of Osseo, Vivian Tumm of Fall Creek and many special nieces, nephews and godchildren.

In addition to her husband, Hazel will also be reunited in heaven with her parents, Ewald and Helen, son-in-law Larry Pearson, siblings and spouses, Erwin (Theresa) Sommerfeldt, Ella (Norman) Raether, Irene (Ernest) Mayer, Elgart (Delores) Sommerfeldt, Gladys (Gaylord) Kaatz, Evelyn (Martin) Kaatz, Doris (Juel) Haugle; in-laws, Robert & Theresa Tumm, the Tumm siblings and spouses, Marjorie (Herman) Thomas, Armond Tumm, Charles Tumm, Arvid (Delores) Tumm, Elmyra (Willard) Maik, Myron Wathke, and Lorraine (Erick) Kromrey.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Trinity Lutheran Church in Fall Creek, with Pastor Justin Arnold officiating. Burial will be at Trinity Cemetery in Fall Creek. Friends may call 2 hours prior to services Monday starting at 9:00 a.m. at the church.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents of Heatherwood Assisted Living for warmly welcoming Hazel into their family and providing her with such excellent care. They are also deeply grateful to the staff of Heartland Hospice for their compassion and guidance during Hazel's final stage of life. Your kindness, thoughtfulness and love will always be remembered and appreciated.

Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com