Francis Hazelton

Francis John Hazelton was born in his home in Pipestone, to Guy and Edith (Johnson) Hazelton on June 11, 1938. At 7 years old, he moved with his family to their home in Ihlen. Francis attended school in Ihlen, 7th grade in Pipestone and then on to Egan through 10th grade.

He was a member of St Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone where he was baptized and confirmed as an adult.

Francis married Marlys Mitchell on June 25, 1959. Their union was blessed with three children, Dennis, Denise and David. Francis and Marlys made their home in Ihlen until moving to a farm south of Ihlen in 1965, where they lived until December of 1996. They then moved to the Johnson family farm north of Pipestone.

Francis worked hauling gravel and at a local gas station until it closed, then worked as a route driver for Armour Eggs until it’s closing in 1970. At that time, he began farming full time. He took great pride in his herd of black angus cattle. He had 2 straight trucks he used to haul grain and cattle locally for 3 years. A farm accident in July 1989, resulted in his paralysis. Francis had a great work ethic he passed on to his children and took great joy in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

On Monday, June 1, 2026, Francis died with his family near at the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone at the age of 87 years, 11 months and 21 days.

Francis is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marlys; daughter, Denise Caulfield-Hazelton of Watertown SD; son, David (Janine) Hazelton of Pipestone; and daughter-in-law, Rita Hazelton of Pipestone; grandchildren, also known as Grandpa’s Gang: Brad (Erica) Hazelton, Eric (significant other, Brianna Long), Morgan (Dan) Lundeen, Kaitlin (Austin) Grout, Cordell (fiancée, Christine Streier), Landon (Irene) Hazelton and Conner (Maci) Hazelton; 8 great-grandchildren with two more expected later this year; and a sister, Nellie Ann Rosenbaum. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dennis; and brother-in-law, Rodney “Dick” Rosenbaum.

Memorials may be directed to the Pipestone County Hospice program. The family wishes to extend their deep appreciation for the hospice team's wonderful care they gave Francis over the past year.