Hazel Shae Huels, age 26, of Carlyle, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Hazel was born on February 20, 1999, in Greenville, IL, the beloved daughter of Shelly (Merry) and the late Thomas Huels. She was a 2017 graduate of Mater Dei Catholic High School.
Hazel was preceded in death by her dad, Tom Huels; her aunt Janet (Huels) Winkeler; her grandpas, Matt Huels and Kent Merry; and her grandma, Linda Merry. She is survived by her mom, Shelly Huels; 2 brothers, Hayden Huels and Jason Huels (wife Joni, and son Easton); her grandmother, Rita Huels; as well as 5 aunts, 5 uncles, 13 cousins and their 20 children, and many very dear lifelong friends- her own personal family.
Hazel loved listening to music, her playlists, going to concerts or watching local bands. She was most comfortable being around water, whether boating on the lake, floating on the river or gravel pit with family, or chilling in the hot tub. She enjoyed almost any activity at a pool; she swam competitively for the CRCY Barracudas and Carlyle Lakers, was employed as a swim instructor and a swim team coach, and was a dedicated lifeguard. Hazel focused on the importance of water safety and was greatly appreciated by those she worked for and with.
Hazel followed many sports teams, most notably the St. Louis Cardinals, Mater Dei High School Basketball, and the Denver Nuggets. She was most proud of her favorite athlete, her brother Hayden.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life from 2:00 – 6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Private burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Carlyle. The family encourages everyone to wear a shirt or jersey to show their connection to Hazel and the teams she coached and loved.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Hazel are suggested to any animal shelter, a charity supporting the blind, a local D.A.R.E. Program/K-9 Unit, or to DESC (desc.org). Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
