In loving memory of TeeJay Ignacio Alvarez "Bazhwewewiidam" age 31 of Fosston, MN, grew up in Naytahwaush, MN, which he has always considered home, left this world unexpectedly and started his journey to the spirt world on June 9th, 2026.

TeeJay was a son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, partner, and friend who meant so much to so many people.

TeeJay was an only son. He was deeply loved by his mother, Maria Carrisalez, and by his stepfather, Daniel LaFrinier, who helped raise him and shared more than 25 years of life with our family.

TeeJay was also blessed to share many special years with his girlfriend, Gloria Hanks, and with the cats he loved so fiercely, proudly calling them his children. Although TeeJay did not have children of his own, he helped raise his first niece Kasenya and proudly referred to her as "his baby".

He attended elementary school at Norman County East and Mahnomen, and Mahnomen High School and ALC. He carried a strong work ethic throughout his life. Recently he worked at the Fosston MDV, where he loved his job and his coworkers.

He believed in showing up, working hard, and helping others whenever he could. Family and friends were important to him, and he genuinely enjoyed being around the people he loved.

If you knew him, you knew he loved music. Music was a big part of who he was, and Eminem was his favorite artist. He could connect with people through music, laughter, and conversation. He had a love for a variety of movies, especially Marvel movies. He has always enjoyed and been a huge fan of Grand Theft Auto and other video games.

What stands out most when you think about TeeJay, is his heart. He helped people even when he was struggling himself. He understood hardship, and because of that, he showed compassion to others. He was the kind of person who would give what he had, offer support when someone needed it, and stand beside people who felt alone. His heart was bigger than this world.

He loved fiercely. He loved his family, friends, cats and his girlfriend. He loved being surrounded by the people who mattered to him. The love he gave will continue to live on in all of us. He had a natural ability to make people laugh, even during difficult times. His sense of humor, laugh, and smile could lighten a room and bring people together.

He is survived by his mother, Maria (Daniel); his sisters, Marisa, Melissa, and Anessa (Donnie); his bonus sister Nicole; his bonus brothers, Lyman and Grant; his nieces, Kasenya, Jada, Gabriella, Elora, Adoness, Anna Lee, Anavera, and Ayla; his nephews Donald III, Dathan, Darrian, Dastan, Zylus, DeMarieus, DeMarion, and  Cassius; his grandmother Enedelia; his aunts, Vanessa (Michael), Lee Anna (Jordan), and Laura (Saul); his uncles, Ricky (Brittany), and Andres (Savannah); great-uncles: Ismael, David, and Rodolfo; great-aunts: Juanita, Maria, Velia, Leticia, and Elvahis; loving girlfriend, Gloria, along with many bonus nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his father, Ignacio; grandfather, Enrique; great-grandparents, Dagoberto Sr. and Juanita; great-uncles, Dagoberto Jr. and Isreal; great-aunt, Sandra; his bonus brother, Travis; his cousin Ariel; and close friends: Phillip Jr, Adam, Andrew, Sonya, Danielle, Derrick, and John whom he never forgot.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that love does not end when life ends. The memories he gave us, the laughter we shared, the lessons he taught us, and the love he showed us remain.

TeeJay was deeply loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Until we meet again, we will carry you with us, in our hearts, in our stories, and in the love of our family.

May the loved ones waiting for him wrap him in their arms as he rests peacefully.

An all-night wake will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 starting at 5:00pm and continuing until the time of the funeral service, at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex in Naytahwaush, MN. Traditional services will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:00 at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex.