Loren George Hazel (Joe) passed away on Tuesday April 16, 2024, following a brief illness. He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra Hazel, his children Michael Hazel, Kenneth Hazel, Rebecca Sheick and Laurie (Ron) Szabo, step-children Sherri Hazel and Donny Hoskins, his brother Merrell (Patricia) Hazel, his grandchildren Matthew (Kalin) Sheick, Ryan Sheick, Melissa (Eric) Worden, Alexander (Noa Sarfati) Szabo, Marlee (Levi) Crews, Michaela (Darius Talkington Fletcher) Szabo, Zachavy (Kayla) Szabo, Leia Szabo, Bob (Amanda Graham) Long, Brandon Vroma, Tom Hoskins, Tommy Hazel, Christopher Hazard and Daytona Bloodworth. He also had numerous great- grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Matthew and Maybelle Hazel, two brothers, Royal and Stanley Hazel, a sister, Helen (Hazel) Vsetula, a stepdaughter Donna Vroma and a granddaughter, Amanda Papp.

A lifelong Michigan resident, Loren was born the second son of Matthew and Maybelle (Ricket) Hazel in Benzie County, Michigan. Growing up in the Traverse City area, he developed a passion for the "up north" life, hunting, fishing, and playing in the woods along with his brothers and sister. When he was a teen, the family moved to Owosso where he attended Owosso high school and graduated in 1952. He took a job at Buick in Flint where he worked on the line for 34 years. After retirement in the late eighties, he happily moved back to Benzie County.

Loren was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed a long retirement spending his days with family, playing Euchre and cribbage, hunting, fishing, boating and gardening. He was great with all kinds of vehicle repair and maintenance and was an all-around handyman. He had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, getting his first one in his early twenties and riding them deep into his retirement years. Above all he loved spending time with his family. He especially loved taking care of the little ones. Loren was known for his intelligence, kindness and sense of humor…"Ain't that somethin'." He would always do anything to help anyone he could. He would also give you a "hard time" and make you love him for doing it. His advice to everyone was "If there's something you want to do in life…don't wait, just do it."

A Celebration of Life is planned for May 4, 2024, from 12pm-3pm at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 20724 Honor Hwy, Interlochen, MI 49643. In lieu of flowers, those seeking to express sympathy may wish to consider honoring Loren with a memorial donation to the American Red Cross

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com