Aaron Bazey

Aaron Bazey, age 38, local legend and friend to all of Stephen, MN, died on Friday, June 4, 2021, in his parents' home, while receiving care from hospice.

Aaron was born on Halloween of 1982 to Kathy (Kuznia) and Todd Bazey. Spending his entire life in Stephen, from his childhood home to the house he owned as an adult, Aaron was a proud and unwavering resident of 6th Street. He graduated in 2001 and worked for his Dad at Bazey Construction, and for his Mom at Evergreen N' Ivy.

Aaron's two greatest qualities were his enormously big heart and his willingness to march to the beat of his own drum. He didn't much care what other people thought of him: he lived simply and if his clothes had holes so be it. When it was hot he'd rip a sleeve of his shirt for a bandanna. When it was cold, he'd wear a few layers underneath his favorite bathrobe. Outside appearances meant very little to Aaron. What did matter to him were other people- and he was loved by many.

Rarely asking for help himself (even when he was in a tight spot or his car was out of gas- again), he would offer his time to help anyone who asked. And this help always came with his signature smile, of course. Fondly known as “Puppy,” he kept folks guessing around town: “What might he be doing in his yard now?” Aaron truly enjoyed visiting with others; he could have a conversation with anybody about almost anything. In all of this, though, he was a better listener than talker.

Aaron just took life as it came. And when his time to pass came, he seemed to accept that as well. Aaron ended up at the hospital and went into cardiac arrest. When his heart started up again, his brain was without oxygen long enough to cause permanent damage. Unable to regain full consciousness and use of his body, Aaron's wishes were followed and he returned to Stephen and his beloved 6th Street to pass away near those he loved.

Aaron is survived by his parents, Todd and Kathy; his sisters, Kelsey Kasprowicz, and Kiley and Ben Hamrick; grandparents, Stub and Ingrid Bazey, and Lawrence and Barb Kuznia; nephews, Lennon, Liam, and Luke; niece, Hayden; and another on the way; and a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorials to Aaron's Family are preferred.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Outdoors on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at 2:00 PM, in the Stephen Community (MN) Arts Center Lot; Pastor Mike Schendel, presiding.
NOTE: Please bring your own chair, and Come as you are: No dress clothes needed.
GATHER AND CHAT: One half hour prior.
INTERMENT: St. Stephen Cemetery, Stephen, MN; Fr. George Noel, presiding.


Epitaph
By Merrit Malloy
 
When I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old me that wait to die.
 
And if you need to cry,
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you.
And when you need me,
Put your arms
Around anyone
And give them
What you need to give to me.
 
I want to leave you something,
Something better
Than words
Or sounds.
 
Look for me
In the people I’ve known
Or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live on in your eyes
And not your mind.
 
You can love me most
By letting
Hands touch hands,
By letting bodies touch bodies,
And by letting go
Of children
That need to be free.
 
Love doesn’t die,
People do.
So, when all that’s left of me
Is love,
Give me away.


See a video of Aaron just "taking it all in" below: