Obituary

Bobby Dee Hazen, 83, passed peacefully on May 22, 2021 in Apache Junction, AZ.

Bobby was born on August 16, 1937 to Violet and Desear Hazen in What Cheer, IA.
Bobby served four years in the United States Navy and was very proud of the time he served his country.
Bobby married Carol Craff on April 18, 1964, they later divorced. He met Deana Jo Shull in 1985 and
spent the next 36 years together. They made their home in What Cheer and spent winters in Arizona
until 2002 when they made the move to Apache Junction permanent.
Bobby spent his career working as a diesel mechanic and operator, allowing him to travel wherever the
job would take him throughout the United States. Bobby was a hard worker. He was proud of his work
history on the pipelines for over a decade.
Bobby loved to go fishing any chance he got. He loved to play cards or maybe it was the thrill of trying to
beat anyone at the game. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially the White Sox, Cubs and
Diamondbacks. Baseball has always been a passion of his. He spent many summers umpiring games for
the local kids. After his son Todd passed, Bobby & Carol purchased the existing ballpark and dedicated it
in honor of their son. They wanted the land to always be used for ball games. Bobby had a smile that
would light up a room and a voice that would command attention. He could talk the ear off a stranger
and was a friend to many.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Deana Jo; daughter, Lisa Hazen of What Cheer IA; step-daughters,
Georgette Dolan of Rochester MN; Deanette Shull of Pine Island MN; step-sons, Kevin (Lori) Shull of
Oronoco MN; and Randall Shull of San Tan Valley AZ. Nick Hazen, who has always held a special place in
his Grandpa’s heart. 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, a niece and nephew. He is preceded in
death by his parents, a son Todd, a daughter Lori, brother Jim and sister-in-law Pauline.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
The family welcomes donations to the Todd Hazen Memorial Ball Field as an expression of sympathy
instead of flowers.