Michael E. Hazen: 1940 – 2011
Michael E. (“Mick” or “Mike”) Hazen, 70, a lifelong resident of Whitley County, died on Thursday, March 31, 2011.
Mr. Hazen was born on June 21, 1940 to Chalmers and Mildred Hazen. For 38 1/2-plus years he was employed at the General Electric Company in Fort Wayne.
During his lifetime he was an active citizen in both Whitley County and Churubusco community organizations. He was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Churubusco, and the Whitley County AARP Chapter. As a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for at least 50 years, he earned many awards, including the BSA Silver Beaver, and also the Lamb Award for religious affiliations.
Throughout his life he enjoyed Lionel model trains, and for 30 years he personally made sure that Santa Claus visited the Churubusco-area.
Surviving are his wife Bonnie; a son and daughter-in-law Neal and Becky Hazen; two daughters Christie Hazen and Heather Hazen; eight grandchildren; and a sister-in-law Mary Ann Hazen.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother Leonard Hazen.
A Celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a. m. on Monday, April 4, 2011, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Churubusco. Pastors Lane Burgland and Stanley AuBuchon will officiate.
Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p. m. on Sunday at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco, or at the church one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
The family requests that memorials be directed to AWAC Boy Scouts of America, Indiana District LWML, Parkview Home Health & Hospice, or to the donor’s choice.
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To leave an online condolence for the family in Mr. Hazen’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
April 1st, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Dear Bonnie & Family – Jeanine and I just wanted to take a moment and express to you all our heartfelt sympathy to you on your loss of Mike. His is certainly a huge loss to your family, and a great loss to the entire community. I know that Mike did things on behalf of others that God alone knows about. What a wonderful legacy of love and caring he has left you. Please rest in the knowledge that we will be here for you now. . .and in the days ahead.
Fondly,
Greg & Jeanine Childs and Staff
April 1st, 2011 at 8:36 pm
Mike will be dearly missed.
April 1st, 2011 at 9:59 pm
Dear Bonnie & Family, We are so sadden to hear of Mike’s passing, and want to extend our condolences to the entire family. Mike was such a great person, and was always positive. I enjoyed knowing Mike and always was glad to see him at Scout meetings. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our family will be making a donation in Mike’s name to the Anthony Wayne Area Council, BSA. Sorry we could not be with you in this time of sorrow as we will be away this weekend. Sincerly, David & Josephine Ramp
April 1st, 2011 at 10:23 pm
To the family……….Although I didn`t know Mike personally, I knew him as Santa Claus when I worked at Meadowbrook. He was certainly the best Sant ever, and made many people happy.
My sincere condolences,
Judy Kesling
April 1st, 2011 at 10:33 pm
Dear Bonnie and family:
Jack just remarked this week that he needed to go
see Mike. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We
know he’s resting in God’s arms.
God Bless!
Jack, Jane, Aimee, Joel & Andrew Helton
April 2nd, 2011 at 7:31 am
Dear Bonnie, He was very caring man to all. He will be missed. As Santa he will be missed by children and adults alike. May you be comforted by your friends, family and God.
April 2nd, 2011 at 7:33 am
Dear Bonnie, He was a very caring man to all. He will be missed. As Santa he will be missed by children and adults alike. May you be comforted by your friends, family and God.
April 2nd, 2011 at 8:25 am
Dear Bonnie and family:
We are So Sorry to hear of Mikes passing. He was a true Treasure to everyone that knew him. Also, he was and will always be the REAL Santa to Kaley and Tabby.
Sincerly. Rick, Christy, Kaley and Tabby Kanis
April 2nd, 2011 at 9:49 am
I shed tears this morning when I read this. Mike came into our home spending EVERY Christmas eve with our family for over 30 years. I am so thankful that he was able to spend this past Christmas with his family. Thank you for sharing him with us and our community. He was a wonderful man with a heart a gold and will be missed by many.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the family.
Mark and Shannon England-Young
and boys.
April 2nd, 2011 at 10:16 am
Neal and Becky, we were saddened to read of your father’s passing. You are in our prayers; God Bless!
April 2nd, 2011 at 12:06 pm
My condolences to Mike’s Family. I went to school with him and he always seemed like a very special person. I just lost my Brother last week and I know the sadness and empty place in you heart when you lose a loved one. God bless you all and give you peace.
Myrna Geyer Bailey
April 2nd, 2011 at 12:59 pm
To the Family
Our thought and prayers are with you in your sorrow. We are good friends with Neal, Becky and their children and see them often at church. God’s Blessings to you and your family.
With Sincere Sympathy, Ramon and Vivian Avila
April 2nd, 2011 at 9:30 pm
I was blessed to work with Mike at General Electric,
he taught me a LIFE Lesson: be Kind to others &
ALWAYS give a helping hand to someone in need….
we worked side by side in Building 19…..I’ll
NEVER forget these messages HE LIVED….May God
be his personal savior and FRIEND for eternity.
Blessed to have known him…..bless your family.
Tom
April 2nd, 2011 at 10:02 pm
Dear Bonnie and Family,
It was always a pleasure to run into Mike and talk scouting with him. Mike was a huge influence on Jeremy transferring to the Scout troop he became involved with and eventually earned his Eagle Scout Rank. I’m sure Mike had an impact on many people, young and old, through his many years of service to others. May you find Peace knowing he is now with the God he served…..
Patty Schmidt and Jeremy Brice
April 2nd, 2011 at 11:04 pm
Dearest Bonnie,
My most fond memory of Mike is how he would portray Santa Claus each year. It was such a joy to watch the children who always lined up each year to see Santa and “Mrs. Claus”. Mike gave so unselfishly of himself to help so many, especially children, of Whitley County for many years. He will surely be missed. Our prayers and sympathy to you and your family.
Rick and Monica Trump
April 3rd, 2011 at 8:21 am
Dear Bonnie,
You have lost your soul mate and best friend. I wish I could give you a hug. [We are in Texas visiting my sister] Mike was always so positive, warm and caring and such a supporter of you and all you did. LWML was blessed by Mike! But now he is celebrating in heaven. As it is early Sunday morning, my prayers are with you and your family today as you meet and greet friends of Mike . . . and tomorrow as you celebrate his life. May the Lord give you His comfort. Sandy
April 3rd, 2011 at 10:36 am
Bonnie, Neal, Christie & Heather,
Our prayers and sympathy are with all of you. Always try to think of the good memories. Mat GOD comfort you and circle you with HIS love.
Dick & Doris
April 3rd, 2011 at 12:16 pm
I’m so sorry for your lose Bonnie. Mike was the only person I knew who for a short period of time could even make an adult beleave Santa really did exist. I will miss him dearly.
April 3rd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Bonnie,Neal,Christy and Heather we are very saddened to learn of the passing of Mike. We know he will be greatly missed by his family and a big loss to our community also. What a special person Mike was, and our lives have been blessed because of him. Thanks for being special friends, We love you all and will be praying for you in the days ahead.
Love and prayers,
Eddie, Diane, RayeAnn and Randy Jones
April 3rd, 2011 at 9:37 pm
Dear Hazen Family: We wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We think the Hazens are very special friends and want you to know how much we care for you all. We wish we were closer so we could be there to support you. We hope the memories and good times you shared with Mr. Hazen will help you get through this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Ramon, Terry, and Kate Avila
April 4th, 2011 at 8:44 am
Sorry to hear of your lost! Mike will be missed but I know he will live on in all the good that he did!Bonnie know there are lots of prayers out there to help you through this time of grief!
Thoughts and Prayers
Dr. Kimberly and Carol
April 4th, 2011 at 8:53 am
I also was very fortunate to have worked with Mike at General Electric. He was always such a great person to work with. He was the best at what he did and he always had excellent ideas on how to get a tough job completed. GE was lucky to have had Mike …
Kevin
April 4th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Dear Bonnie and family,
We just heard the news about Mike. My sister called us. Pleae accept our condolences to all of you. He sure left one impreessive legacy. Not a Christmas goes by that we don’t remember the Jaycees selling Christmas trees or Turtle Dsys and the cotten candy machine. Those were the days my friends!!
We have stopped by when we have been to the family dinners. We only caught you guys home once. Please take care and remember Mike always.
Tom and Linda
April 4th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
I’ve spent years living down the street.To my girls he was Mr.Hazen at the end of the alley.Never suspecting him to be Santa Clause.It always made me happy to see him outside even giggle a little knowing his secert identity.Its a loss.My thoughts are with you.
April 5th, 2011 at 12:04 am
Mike was a wonderful person and it’s been my privilege to call him friend. He will be missed by so many! I’ll never forget how much you both helped me 31 years ago. Faith, family, friends and memories, help us get through the sorrow.
April 5th, 2011 at 10:17 am
Bonnie and family:
It was my distinct pleasure to have Mike serve as a Commissioner for the Boy Scouts when I served Whitley and Kosciusko Counties in 2005-2008. He was full of life and loved his times in Scouting. He shared many fond memories with me about camp in particular. It was always a delight to see his usually bright suspenders enter the room. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Blessings and Peace,
Sarah (Frecker) Archer
Boy Scouts of America AWAC
April 5th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
Bonnie and family:
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Mike was a great neighbor and wonderful Santa. He will be sadly missed. God Bless.
Chris & Jennifer Mathieu
April 11th, 2011 at 7:29 am
Bonnie, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Mike will be missed.
April 24th, 2011 at 7:10 am
Dear Bonnie and family, thank you for sending the letter about Mike’s transition. I send my condolences to you and your precious family. I know that Mike is with you in your hearts and always will be. He is watching over you from the Other Side and will be there to take you home with him one day forever. I lost touch with all my classmates but Mike was considerate and caring and much loved by everyone. God bless you.
Colleen Bocock
April 29th, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Dear Hazen Family,
I was just told about Mike’s passing and my heart is breaking. So many times you were there for our family. Mike was very special and will always be remembered. Bonnie I do not want to intrude, however I would very much like to talk with you. When you have time please call 436-3410. Your family is in my prayers. Joan