Danny Joe Hazen, 77, of Blue Springs, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on March 17, 2026. Dan was born February 27, 1949 in Auburn, Nebraska to Leonard and Doris (Norvell) Hazen and grew up in Tecumseh, Nebraska. He attended Tecumseh Public Schools.

He was united in marriage to Valerie Little on January 18, 1986 at the home of Pastor Ward Merritt in Humboldt, Nebraska.

Dan was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, trap shooting, racing cars, ATV pulling, mud racing and riding his motorcycle. His best years were spent fishing the lakes in Missouri along with his son Chris. Dan owned his own semi and drove over the road for many years and took his family on short runs and later was a heavy equipment operator. Dan’s greatest love was his family.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife Valerie (Little) Hazen, daughter Danyle Smith and significant other Stacy, of Shubert and son Chris (Heather) Hazen of Tecumseh, grandchildren Makayla DeHaan and fiancé Quentin Xayaphonesongkham, of Wilber, Austin Smith, Christopher and Prezleigh Hazen, Rachel Hazen of Ozark, MO, Alexis Thies, Treven Thies and significant other Addy Hestermann, 6 great-grandchildren, Kysen, Kohen, Kashton Xayaphonesongkham Amelia and Randal Grimes and Layklyn Thies, sisters Debbie (Tom) Barnhart, Dawn Trimmer of Plattsmouth and brother Marvin Hazen, brother-in-law Art Weldon, sisters and brothers in law, Vesta and Randy Mewes, Tracy and Bob Rhine, Tom and Cindy Little, Colette Little, mother-in-law Rose Little and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Doris and Leonard Hazen, sister Nancy Weldon, brothers Tom and Ron Hazen, father-in-law Don Little and brother-in-law Brian Little.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Chaplain Sharon Schuster officiating. Sharon Schuster sang “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and special music “Save The Rose” and “Jealous of the Angels” was played. Pallbearers were grandchildren Makayla DeHaan, Austin Smith, Christopher Hazen, Prezleigh Hazen, Rachel Hazen, Alexis Thies and Treven Thies and honorary pallbearers were his great-grandchildren. Memorials may go to the family’s choice. Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.