Hazel Ruby Jeska-Robinson

Hazel Jeska Robinson, age 105, Minnetonka, MN passed away peacefully on May 5, 2021 at Presbyterian Homes Beacon Hill surrounded by her loving family. Hazel died just six days before her planned 106th birthday celebration and was asked to share the secret to her longevity. She smiled and said, "Be happy and eat well." She was a great friend to all that knew her, and always had a kind word to say about everyone. She was a beautiful lady who loved life, her family, sunshine and nature. She will live forever in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Hazel Ruby was born on the family farm outside of Menomonie, WI in May of 1915. She was the daughter of Fred and Emma House with two older sisters, Dorothy and Vivian and two younger brothers, Fred and Lyle. Growing up on the farm, she did many of the chores including driving the horses but "I never milked the cows!" She wrote on a picture in her youth, "Looking forward into the years to a wholesome, healthy and happy life!!!" In her long life, she survived two pandemics, the Great Depression, two World Wars and outlived two husbands. Hazel met her first husband, Milton Jeska on a "ski train" to St. Cloud. She loved downhill and cross country skiing and was even a long-blade ice skater. They were married September of 1941 and raised two children while living in St. Paul. She was a vibrant, energetic mother remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, and hospitality. She was fun to be around and her family and friends adored her. Hazel was very accomplished in life. She loved to garden, bake, and travel. She especially loved the annual family camping trips and family reunions in Menomonie. Hazel lost her first husband suddenly and took up painting and various activities to ease her loss. She always made her family her top priority, but also worked numerous jobs including one in the offices of the MN House of Representatives. She met her second husband Robert Robinson later in life while long-blade ice skating in St. Paul. They were avid golfers and enjoyed dancing together. Hazel continued to paint into her 104th year and her paintings are cherished memories of her life. Hazel is survived by daughter Susan Hodgson and son Bill (Susan) Jeska, granddaughters Jill (Scott) Nadeau, Sarah (Chris) Gallagher, Emily (Roger) Chuesberg and Anna (Derek) Bruns, and four great-grandchildren, John Blake, Lauren, Carter and Ava. Hazel had a zest for life and an incredible positive spirit. She started everyday with "good morning sunshine" and a smile. At 94 years old, she even rode in a hot air balloon! She loved watching birds and flowers and visiting the MN Landscape Arboretum. Family memorials will be created in memory of Hazel at the Arboretum and at Presbyterian Homes Beacon Hill for their wonderful care and end of life experience provided for Hazel. Hazel will be buried at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN alongside her husband Milton who served in the Navy as a SeaBee. "I don't know how I got to live so long, ...I'm just an Old Goat", "Oh well" - HJR

Tributes

Hazel Ruby Jeska-Robinson

May 11, 1915 - May 5, 2021

Tributes

Hazel Ruby Jeska-Robinson

May 11, 1915 - May 5, 2021

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