Hazel Irene Kleich

Her memorial graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 2pm at the Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery in Bridgeport. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com. Bridgeport Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Hazel was born on September 12, 1926 in Broadwater, Nebraska to Spencer and Lillie Mae (Brown) Stites. She attended school in Broadwater, graduating in 1944 from Bridgeport High School. She attended college and taught country schools for five years. She worked various jobs until ill health forced her to retire.

She married David W. “Dick” Kleich on March 3, 1945 in Sidney. Nebraska. Dick passed away in 1998.

Hazel found her passion in later years, taking much pride in caring for the Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery. She was a library of local history and a powerhouse for getting things done.

She was a member of the Rebecca Society in Scottsbluff, Board member for years on the Low Income Housing in Bridgeport and was a founding committee member of the Alumni Association for over 20 years.

Hazel enjoyed crocheting, knitting, fishing and camping, birds and Chihuahuas. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children Kathryn (Harvey) Mortimore of Bridgeport, NE, Billy (Yvonne) Kleich of Hubbard, NE, Georgia Schwartzkopf of Mission, TX and Dorenne “Kay” (Terry) Mencl of Virginia, NE; grandchildren: Tommy, Doneta, Tim, Cyndi, Mark, Monte, Melissa, Matthew, April, Wes, Shawn, Tyler, Jamie, and Elliott; 26 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Tom, sisters Edna Sherlock and Dorenne Penny and brother John Stites.