Claude "Lucky" Hazlett

Jan 10, 1928 - Nov 11, 2006 (Age 78)

Claude "Lucky" Hazlett joined our chapter in 1998 and remained a member through 2004. He passed away on November 11, 2006. May he rest in peace.

Obituary

Claude C. "Lucky" Hazlett, 78, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2006, at his residence surrounded in the love of his family and his precious "Patches."

Claude was born in Columbus, Ohio on January 10, 1928. On April 14,1968, he was united in mar­riage to Virginia E. Streuli-­Peterson.

He served in the United States Navy in World War II and the Korean War in the Philippines, Okinawa, and Japan and distinguished himself by earning 10 medals and three Battle Stars as well as surviving seven typhoons in the South Pacific during his tours. He was past Commander of the VFW 9948-Sturtevant and a member of the Destroyer-Escort Sailors Association.

Lucky began work for the City of Racine in 1953 as a Police Officer, serving 30 years with the department; by the time of his retirement, he had attained the rank of Sergeant. In addition, he proudly served as the Mount Pleasant Chief of Police from 1973 until 1977 and was the elected Constable of the town for many years. Lucky was exceptionally proud of the many young men he had mentored, who also pursued a career in law enforcement.

Claude was a member of the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, Wisconsin Professional Police Officers Association, Blue Knights of Wisconsin, Racine Retired Law Enforcement Association, and the Retired and Disabled Police Officers of America.

A member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Union Grove for over 30 years, he served as an Elder, Usher, and Lutheran Rangers Leader. He had also served as President of the PTL at Concordia Lutheran School.

In recent years, he was a volunteer at the Racine County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Racine County Sheriff’s Patrol Station.

He was a member of the Wisconsin Sportsmen Association and throughout his life, he loved deer hunting, fishing, golf, country music, steam trains, motorcycles, American and family history, John Wayne movies, and was an avid card player.

Lucky was characterized by his strong sense of values and morals, belief in God, devotion for his country, and unconditional love for his family. He will be remembered for his lifelong "tenacity for survival."

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; three children, James Ernest (Terri Chretian) Hazlett of Norfolk, Va., Sheryl Ann (Christopher) Hunt of Minneapolis Minn., Shelley Rae (Roger) Hazlett-Gooch of Juneau; eight grandchildren, Chantel (Jeremy) Yates, Lynn (Dale) Hazlett­Sherry, Todd Bristol, Laura Hunt, Jason Hunt, Shauna, Sydney and Ali Gooch; two great­grandsons, Bryce and Colin Yates; three brothers, Robert (Betty) Hazlett, George (Helen) Hazlett, Roger (Margaret) Hazlett; sister-in-law, Joan (Andrew) Dykstra; Denise Hazlett of Killeen, Texas; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by first wife, Bernice Mae (nee: Olson) Hazlett; daughter, Catherine 'Casey' and her husband, Floyd Sihock; his parents, Claude E. and Nancy M. (nee: Lowder) Hazlett; and in­laws, Alvin and Evelyn Streuli.

Visitation will be at Maresh­Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 14, 2006, from 4 until 7 p.m. and Wednesday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. The Funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 15, 2006, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1610 Main Street, Union Grove, with Rev. James Keuch officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials preferred to St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Union Grove, the University of Wisconsin Madison Comprehensive Cancer Center, or to Love and Charity Mission of Racine.