Mack Hazen

Mack Hazen, 76, longtime Arthur County resident, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2016 in the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

Mack was born January 1, 1940, in Mullen, Nebraska, to Howard "Curly" and Maxine (Kemp) Hazen. He grew up on the Hazen ranch north of Thedford, Nebraska in Cherry County. He graduated from Thomas County High School in Thedford in 1957. He attended Milford Technical School, graduating with an associate degree in mechanics.

Following graduation, he interned at Leech Chevrolet Co. in Imperial where he met his future wife, Janet Browning. Prior to marriage he worked for neighbors Brad and Duane Wilson during 1959 and 1960.

On September 18, 1960 Mack married Janet Browning in Imperial, Nebraska. The couple moved to the Percy and Vivian Miller ranch north of Seneca, Nebraska. In May of 1962, they moved to Arthur, Nebraska to the Hazen ranch where Mack ranched and did custom haying with his father. Mack mowed and baled many tons of hay for various ranches, including Farrar Ranch, McGinley Ranch, Haythorn Ranch, Ron Evans Ranch, Phillip Crouse, and John Berry, just to mention a few. Mack also worked for Ralph Wooters as a mechanic, then opened his own shop at the ranch where he repaired many tractors and vehicles for his neighbors.

Mack and Janet were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Tammy Lynne, born in 1964, Kimberly Ann in 1966 and Candy Kay in 1971.

One of his favorite pastimes was watching his girls in their plays, concerts, and sporting events. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren - whether it was attending their sporting events including football or basketball, cheerleading or dance or if it was reading to them or playing cards.

Mack was a huge advocate of 4-H and spent many years as a 4-H leader. He served numerous years as a member or officer of the Arthur County School Board and was also an active member of the Ogallala Elks Lodge 1760. His favorite hobbies were hunting and fishing with his grandchildren, his Dad, and his many friends. He enjoyed trap shooting and has several trophies from team meets. Mack spent countless hours on the lake with his dad or his longtime fishing friends, Gerry Packard and Ed Cooney, always bringing home fish for Janet to cook up for a late night fish fry. For many summers Mack planted a large garden that produced trunk loads of cucumbers, corn for the neighbors, potatoes, and many beans and tomatoes for canning.

As many of his family and friends are aware, Mack was an animated storyteller and could always pull off a practical joke. He never knew a stranger and even in his toughest hours, he could make people laugh. He could watch football for hours and especially loved the Huskers. Many evenings were spent playing cards and games with friends and family. He will be missed by many for his wit and sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife Janet Hazen of Arthur, three daughters: Tammy Hazen Dancer of Mullen, Kim (Todd) Borer of Ogallala, and Candy (Bryan) Kuntz of Kearney; two sisters: Donna (Nick) Rodocker of Surprise, AZ and Joleen (Blaine) Kramer of Kersey, CO; six grandchildren, Travis Dancer, Tiffany Dancer, Shelby Borer, Bryce Borer, Skylar Kuntz and Brady Kuntz and four great-grandchildren, Jessie Dancer, Kierstin Pike, Jocelyn Oliveria, and Mayson Dancer; sisters-in-law Joyce (Ansel) Hill, Connie (Ron) Dart, Linda (Jim) Davis, Jeanne (Leon) Sievers, and brother-in-law Larry (Sandra) Browning.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law and mother-in law Ralph and Dollie Browning.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 15, in the Arthur Baptist Church from 1 to 6 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Funeral Service will be Friday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. in the Arthur High School Gymnasium. Rev. Ben Keene will officiate. The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend and may be viewed at www.drauckerfh.com.  Interment is in the Arthur Cemetery.  Memorials have been established to the Arthur Baptist Church, the Arthur Ambulance & Fire Department, and the Arthur County 4-H.   Online condolences may be sent to webmaster@drauckerfh.com or by signing the Guest Book at www.drauckerfh.com.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is entrusted with the arrangements.

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