Christi Hazen, age 45, passed away on April 1, 2025. She was born in 1980 in North Platte, Nebraska, and spent her childhood there until 1991, when her family moved to Cherokee, Iowa.
After graduating high school, Christi discovered her love and passion for cooking — a gift she shared with everyone lucky enough to know her. She was a proud and loving mother to Devon Bechtel and Ember (Josh) Brownlee. In 2001, Christi moved to Estherville to be closer to her sister, and it was there she met the love of her life, Christian Alvarez. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, great food, and deep love, raising five children in a warm and welcoming home. Christi and Christian enjoyed camping, riding motorcycles, and especially cooking side by side.
Christi is survived by her parents, Les Hazen and Jo Murphy; her sister, Toni Hazen; her brother, Stephen (LeAnn) Hazen; her son, Devon Bechtel; her daughter, Ember (Josh) Brownlee; and her stepchildren, Anessa Alvarez, Rhiannon Alvarez, and Taylor Alvarez. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Kaizer (son of Anessa) and Kaden (son of Taylor), as well as her nieces Kaylee, Taylor, Karmen, and Kadence; and her great-nephew, Kameron.
She was preceded in death by her partner, Christian Alvarez, and her brother-in-law, RJ Nissen.
Christi will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the joy of knowing her. Her smile and laugh could light up any room. She never knew a stranger and had a heart that embraced and fed everyone around her.
