Ricky Lynn Hazen was born on March 30, 1953, to Donald and Della (Bohling) Hazen, in Tecumseh, Nebraska. He left this world unexpectedly on January 27, 2023. Rick attended grade school through high school in Cook, graduating from Nemaha Valley in 1971. He attended the University of Nebraska, and after graduating from there with a degree in business and finance, later moved back home to accompany his dad on the family farm. Rick married Lynn (Goetz) in April of 1984. They had one daughter, Chandra. The couple later divorced, but always remained good friends. Rick loved farming.
He farmed with his dad, Don, for many years until his passing in February of 1991. Even after his health declined later in life, he could still be seen often tinkering around the farm. Rick also enjoyed animals and had many dogs and cats that he loved very much over the years. Rick was a member of the United Church of Christ-Osage and served as treasurer for many years. Rick was active in the community, making his “rounds” as he jokingly called them, nearly every day. He would visit Cook and Tecumseh, often stopping at the bank, grocery store, post office, and wherever else he could socialize and chat. He loved meeting new people and never knew a stranger. His laugh was loud and contagious, and sharing stories, jokes, and smiles was undoubtedly one of his biggest joys in life. More than he loved anything else, Rick loved his family and friends. He treasured “shed time” and any time he spent with loved ones.
With a kind and soft heart, there was never anything he wouldn’t do for someone he cared about. He lived his life to its fullest- cherishing it, laughing, and spreading love until the very end. Although his spirit and soul have moved on, his memory will live through the many people that knew and loved him. Left to mourn his passing are his daughter, Chandra, sister Pam (Darrell) Hillman of Syracuse, brother Jeff Hazen of Scottsdale, Arizona, aunts, uncles, cousins, three nephews, Travis (Jessica), Tyler (Dana) and Bryan (Maura) Hillman and so many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Della Hazen, numerous aunts and uncles and his grandparents. Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2023 at the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (Osage), rural Cook, Nebraska with Pastor Ken West and Pastor Ken Tubbesing officiating. Organist, Julie Smith, accompanied congregational hymns, “In The Garden”, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry” and special music included “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam.
Honorary pallbearers were John Cryan, Clint Mahoney, Alan Bossung, Rick Dostal, Robert Hyde, Ron Smith, David Seeba, Rick Phillips, David Grumbine, Jim Grumbine, Travis Hillman, Tyler Hillman, Bryan Hillman, Alan Pieratt and Brian Schmidt. Graveside services were held at 5:00 p.m. at the Tecumseh Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska. Memorials may go to the family’s choice. Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.
