Colleen Sarrazin

Age 71 of Wilmington, Illinois and formerly of Hastings and Hector, Minnesota, died Sunday, February 27, 2022 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Born February 18, 1951 in New Ulm, Minnesota, Colleen Elizabeth was a daughter of Harland Hans and Betty (Johnson) Walter. She was raised in Lafayette, Minnesota; educated in the New Ulm schools, and graduated from New Ulm High School with the Class of 1969. Following high school, Colleen went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota. One of her first positions as Editor of the Cosmos Sun in Cosmos, Minnesota, led to her meeting Hubertus Sarrazin, whom she went on to marry on April 26, 1975. Together Colleen and Hubertus established roots in Hector and Hastings, Minnesota before relocating to Wilmington, Illinois in 2019 to be close to family.

Throughout the years, after working in journalism out of college and freelance writing, Colleen ran a catering business and most recently was employed as a Medical Clerk with the Veterans Administration in Minneapolis, from where she retired.

Colleen from an early age was active in her church, even assisting as a church organist. During her years in Hector, Colleen belonged to 1^st Evangelical Lutheran Church, and once moved to Hastings joined the congregation of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.  She sang in the church choir and also was part of a hand bell choir. Colleen volunteered at Hastings Family Service and was proud to have founded the Red Hat Society in Hastings.

One who had a love of cooking, Colleen also loved to play cards and at one time was part of two Bridge Clubs. She had the exceptional ability to connect with people, and engaging in social groups brought her joy. Her annual formal Christmas parties, which gathered dozens of family and friends into her home singing and celebrating the holiday were a highlight to many. Colleen participated in Community Theater and will be remembered for having the loudest laugh in the room. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, the legacy of Colleen Sarrazin will live on in the hearts of all of those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband, Hubertus; son, Alexus (Krystyna) Sarrazin of Plainfield, Illinois; daughter, Alicia (Jeffrey) Lenart of Wilmington, Illinois; grandchildren: Claire Lenart, Ava Lenart, Henrik Sarrazin, Zaneta Sarrazin and Olivia Sarrazin; one sister, Nola (Layton) Walter of Hudson, Wisconsin, and her mother-in-law, Ada Dahl of Wheaton, Minnesota.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents.

Green flameless cremation rites have been accorded, and the family is planning a celebration of life for a later date.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Colleen’s memorial page online through social media.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Colleen’s memory to Hastings Family Service, 301 2nd St E, Hastings, MN 55033, which she supported for many years as a volunteer.

Green flameless cremation arrangements and services have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington, Illinois (815-476-2181) / www.BaskervilleFuneral.com