Hazel Gronquist, a former Scandia resident who left her mark on a local museum and a number of civic functions, has died.Gronquist, 80, died of heart failure on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at her home in Minneapolis.
Gronquist and her husband, Nels, lived in Scandia for about 20 years after moving to the Swedish community in the early 1980s. The life sized Dala horse that stood near the driveway of their home on Oakhill Road was their signature.
The couple was devoted to their Swedish heritage. Nels is a first-generation Swedish immigrant and Hazel (Nelson) Gronquist was second-generation Swedish. She was a native of Minneapolis.
They were deeply involved with community functions that tapped into the communityís Swedish heritage. They moved back to Minneapolis several years ago.
During a 14-year period, Hazel Gronquist was director of the Hay Lake School Museum in Scandia which is operated by the Washington County Historical Society.
During her tenure as museum director, she would often dress in period costumes as school groups and adults would tour the old one-room school building.
The Gronquists were also active in functions at Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia. The couple traveled extensively visiting some 20 countries, including the Scandinavian nations.
A funeral service for Hazel C. Gronquist was Saturday, Nov. 20 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis where she was a lifelong member.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Nels of Minneapolis; daughter Kristina Gronquist, Minneapolis; sons Karl, Gary and Guy; three grandchildren; one sister, Aria Johnson; and one brother, Roger Nelson.
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