Hazel Mildred Peterson Topp was born March 21, 1916, on the family farm 2 miles East of Northfield to Casper and Julia (Lockrem) Peterson. She was baptized and confirmed at the "old" St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. She graduated from Northfield High School in 1934 and attended Minneapolis Business School. After her education she worked for St. Olaf College in food service making salads. She married George M. Topp on October 16, 1942, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hazelwood. They farmed in the Webster area until 1957 and the Randolph area until 1973, moving to Northfield upon retirement.

Hazel was active in the church and community as a home maker, Sunday School teacher, 4-H leader and PTA member. She enjoyed baking superb meals for her family, cakes for weddings and other occasions. She never lost her enthusiasm for well cooked and attractively prepared food. She shared recipes whenever she was asked. She enjoyed tremendously the social interaction that went along with her membership in many clubs and organizations. In her later years she pursued an interest in oil painting that continued as long as she was able. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and embroidery.

Survivors include her children: Lee and wife Beverly of Lakeville, David and wife Nancy of Faribault, Janet and husband Paul Lorenzen of Farmington, Glen of Palmer, Alaska; 13 grandchildren: Julie Bailey, Thor (Katie) Topp, Elizabeth Topp, Kari (Tung) Duong-Topp, Jennifer (John) Quinn, Monica Topp, Aaron (Sue) Topp, Tanya Mitchell, Chris (Lisa) Lorenzen, Sarah (Jeff) Stoldorf, Rachel Lorenzen, Marty Lorenzen, Jessie Topp; 2 step-grandchildren: Theresa (Dan) Ostdick, Lori (Mark) Gustafson; 19 great-grandchildren, 8 step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Doris Nelson of Northfield; one brother, Donald (Margaret) Peterson of Northfield; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her brother Leroy "Bud" Peterson, her sister Ellen Warner, and her step-grandson Dwain Behrens.

Hazel passed away at the age of 94 on Monday morning, August 9. 2010, at the Northfield Hospital Long Term Care Center where she had resided for the past 5 years.

Funeral services will be 11AM Thursday, August 14, 2010, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Northfield with Revs. Craig Ellingboe and Paul Graham officiating. Music will be provided by Donna Paulsen. Interment will be in Hazelwood Lutheran Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Thor, Aaron, Jim and Jerry Topp, Chris and Marty Lorenzen, Mike Peterson and John Hauck. Honorary pall bearers are Delores Hille, Eloise Legare, Dorothy Tupy, Alphadine Nelson, June Volkert, Arlene Ringeisen, Sharon Jasnoch and Karen Hasse. Visitation will be 4-7PM Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield. Visitation will continue at the church one Thursday one hour prior to the funeral.

Arrangements are Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.