TOPEKA, Kan. – Hazel Irene Strickenfinger, 97, of Topeka, Kan., passed away Feb. 1, 2026, in Topeka. She was born March 7, 1928, in Richland, Kan., to Alpha and Rose Livingston.
She married Daniel Leo Strickenfinger Sr., April 2, 1946, and they shared 59 years of marriage until he passed away Dec. 2, 2004.
She and her husband farmed in the Scranton, Kan., area. She helped him farm from 1946 until 1951, when she went to work at the Supply Depot through 1961. She returned to farming, and in 1964 was blessed with the birth of their son, Dan.
In 1946, she and two others opened the Golden Goose Restaurant, now known as Four Corners Restaurant. Hazel was a friend with whomever she met and welcomed any kids in the community with food.
Survivors include her son, Daniel Lee Strickenfinger Jr. (Linda); granddaughter, April Lee Tilton (Michael); great-granddaughter, Eleanor and one on the way, Evelyn; and many nieces and nephews. She also considered Tom Wells as a son, and he treated her like a mom. She is also survived by special friends Ginger Smoot, Chris Thompson, and Shara Colstrom.
Hazel had three sisters and two brothers who predeceased her, Margie Dice, Fern Marie, Donna, John and Charles Livingston.
Funeral services were scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, at Cross Road Community Church, Scranton, preceded by visitation.
Memorial contributions can be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 268, Overbrook, KS 66524. Condolences can be left at lamb-roberts.com.
