Janis “Hotrod Granny” Hazen, 77, of Grand Island, passed away June 4, 2017, at CHI-Health St. Francis Medical Center with her family by her side.

Janis was born on March 10, 1940, in Arnold, the daughter of Lessel and LueAnn (Gilbert) Alexander. Janis grew up around Arnold, where she attended school.

After she married Dickie Hazen in 1958, they made their home on his family farm near Wellfleet. For many years, she worked on the family farm and raised their five children.


In 1975, Janis moved to North Platte, where she was employed at Tomahawk and earned her CNA license. She moved to Grand Island in 1991 and began employment as a sandwich artist for Subway. Shortly after moving to Grand Island and at the age of 53, Janis was proud of earning her GED.

Throughout her life, Janis undertook a special labor of love; she felt strongly that everyone should receive a birthday card. She would design and send over 1,600 birthday cards a year to any person that would give her their name, address and birthday when she asked.

Janis was an avid Cubs fan and collector of her favorite cartoon characters, Eeyore and Pepe Le Pew. She loved family gatherings and spending time with all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and meeting her two great-great-grandchildren.


Janis was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Archie Alexander; husband of many years, Dickie Hazen; and sister, Patsy Maxwell.

Her memory is cherished by her children, Chuck (Sue) Hazen of Omaha, Lonnie (Terri) Hazen of Wellfleet, Ronda (Doug) Edwards of North Platte, Sheila (Tom Soukup) Hulme of Grand Island and Audie Hazen of Wellfleet; brother, Jerry (Clyta) Alexander of North Platte; sisters, Lora Gean (Paul) Dimmit of Brandon, Colorado, and Mary Alexander of Centralia, Washington; brother-in-law, Darrell Maxwell of Florida; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous extended family and friends.

As a breast cancer survivor, Janis was thankful to everyone at the Cancer Treatment Center in Grand Island.

Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 9, at All Faiths Funeral Home, Grand Island, with Dan Naranjo officiating. All Faiths Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.