Denise Hazelwood

Denise Lee Higgason, born on August 1, 1946, in the town of Eldora, Iowa, has embarked on her next great adventure from her cozy home in Weldon, Iowa. She was the first born of three daughters, to Orville and Thelma Higgason. As someone who lived life with a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous grin, Denise would appreciate a send-off filled with warmth, humor, and a playlist featuring Alan Jackson and Evie Sands.

Denise's early days saw her serving up smiles and meals at Pine Lake White House Cafe, where she honed her skills in multitasking and quick wit. She later found herself at the Iowa State Training School for Boys, where patience and compassion were her calling cards.

In 1973, she married Ron Hazelwood, embracing his four children as her own and launching Eldora Plumbing and Heating with him. Together, they turned it into a successful venture that could handle even the most stubborn leaky faucets.

Denise's interests were as varied as they were vibrant. She enjoyed snowmobiling through the Iowa winters and indulging in retail therapy whenever possible. Her love for music spanned the decades, with Alan Jackson's "Remember When" and Evie Sands' "Angel Of The Morning" among her favorites. She also excelled in culinary delights, often found baking up a storm or tending to campfires which she truly loved. Her hand work was second to none, with cross-stitch and needlepoint projects flowing effortlessly from her hands, all while devouring her latest book.

Preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Thelma, her beloved husband Ron, and his children Todd and Nancy, Denise leaves behind a treasure trove of family and friends who will dearly miss her laughter and generous spirit.

Cherishing her memory are sisters, Nancy (Mike) Brogden and Vicki Higgason, niece, Annie (Lonnie Smith) Halsband, nephew, Tanner Brogden, great-nieces Kaitlyn and Dana Halsband, and Marci Gilbert and Ron's daughters, Joy and Jane Hazelwood, along with their children and grandchildren, Erin Hazelwood, Larissa (Marc) Drappel, Matt Hazelwood, Jeffrey Hass, Austen Hass, Mason, Lilly, Ziva and Abram Drappel. Also surviving are her sister-in-law, Sue Brown and her loyal dog Plopper who will also feel the void left by her departure.

Graveside services will be held at Jackson County Township Cemetery, where Denise will find her final resting place surrounded by the peace she so richly deserves. Memorial contributions may be directed in her honor, and online condolences can be shared with the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com.

As we bid farewell to Denise, let us remember her for the joy she brought into our lives, the stories she shared, and the love that continues to resonate in her absence. May her legacy of kindness and humor light our paths until we meet again.

Graveside services will be held at Jackson Township Cemetery in Owasa, Iowa on July 18, 2026 at 10:30 AM and the family will greet friends at a Celebration of Life on July 19, 2026 from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM at My Sweet Pickens Venue in Osceola, Iowa.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com