Hazel Eikermann

BIOGRAPHY

Eikermann was born in Scott County, Kansas, USA, on 11 December 1907, to parents Irvin Henry See (1882–1948) and Charlotta M. “Lottie” Ryan (1880–1963). She had nine siblings: Inez May Fick (1900–1993), Fern Kiser (1907–1983), Ernest See (1910–1997), Basil Howard See (1911–1999), Dorothy Patton (1913–2010), Pearl Strickert (1914–2006), Russell Elmer See (1916–2001), Lorena Turley (1919–2018), and Walter See (1924–2009). The family lived on a 160-acre homestead in Scott County. On this homestead, they farmed and ranched, while the parents struggled to provide a lively, contented Christian home for their children. The children all took turns learning to play the piano. Church was very important in their household. Her father became a deacon, and the Bible was read aloud every morning, followed by a prayer.

Eikermann was the first person to graduate from Manning High School in 1927. She began teaching as a home schooler, instructing children from their respective families. She taught in a one-room school at the Center School, five miles away, for two terms. She then taught at Grigston, Kansas, for the next two years and at Superior School in Lone Prairie for three more years.

On 29 June 1933, she married Leo Eikermann (1907–1960) in Leoti, Kansas. Their son, William, was born in June 1934, followed by their daughter, Bonita, in September 1937. Robert, their third child, was born in Scott City, Kansas, in May 1945. In May 1946, the family moved to Flagler, Colorado, where they lived for many years. Hazel and Leo were active Boy Scout leaders while William participated in the program. Hazel was also deeply involved in the Baptist Church, which was just across the street from their house. She later moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, while Robert attended university there. Afterwards, she relocated to Denver, where she worked at Cinderella City. Upon retiring, she moved to Boise at her daughter Bonita’s suggestion, living there for 19 years before eventually returning to Flagler.

Eikermann moved to the Lincoln Community Hospital and Nursing Home in Hugo, Colorado, when she was 105. At the age of 109, she was still able to move around and partially care for herself. When asked about the secret to her longevity, she said it was simple: just be nice. For her 108th birthday, and for each of the following three birthdays, it became a tradition for the nursing home staff and local high school students to form her age in people on the local football field as a helicopter flew overhead. On her 109th and 110th birthdays, she herself was in the helicopter to witness it.

Eikermann passed away in Hugo, Colorado, USA, on 27 August 2019, at the age of 111 years, 259 days. She was survived by her three children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Slide

RECOGNITION

At the time of her passing, she was the oldest living resident of the U.S. state of Colorado. Upon her passing, she was succeeded by Annabelle Holblinger.

Her age was validated by LongeviQuest on 17 June 2024.