Gene R. Hedin, 77, Swanville, MN

Gene R. Hedin, 77 year old resident of Swanville, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 at his home. Funeral services for Gene Hedin was held Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 at 11 AM at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville with Rev. Marty Porter officiating. Burial was at the Bearhead Cemetery near Pillsury, MN.

Gene was born July 13, 1935 in Pillsbury, MN to the late Louis and Mary ‘Caine’ Hedin. He grew up in Pillsbury, attended school in Swanville and graduated from the Swanville High School in 1953. Gene married Wilma L. Hartwig on May 28, 1958 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville. He entered the US Army in June, 1958 and actively served until March, 1960. He remained in the US Army Reserve until his honorable discharge in June, 1962. Gene worked various jobs, including custodian at the Swanville School; working on the ore boats on the Great Lakes; driving truck for Peterson Trucking and working for Orrin Thompson building homes in the Twin Cities. In 1960, the couple purchased a farm in Culdrum Township where they raised beef cattle, chickens and hogs. In 1975, Gene purchased a school bus and drove bus until the spring of 2012. He was also employed at Gessell Feed Mill for many years. Gene enjoyed deer hunting. His annual deer hunting trips near Kelliher, MN developed into many friendships with the people from the area. Gene was known for his fabulous BBQ turkeys he made for special occasions. Most of all, Gene loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville and the Swanville American Legion Post #313.
Gene R. Hedin is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Wilma; sons, Allen Hedin of Swanville, MN and Calvin Hedin of Little Falls, MN; daughter, Kathy Van Norman of Swanville, MN; son-in-law, Brian Menke of Sartell, MN; 8 grandchildren, Kyle, Chad & Kim Van Norman; Christopher, Mitchell & Stacy Hedin; Alex and Isaac Menke; and sister-in-law, Lorraine Hedin.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sandy Menke; grandson, Matthew Hedin; brothers, Harold, Donald, Barney, Edward and Kenneth Hedin; a sister, Genevieve Caine.
Casketbearers were the grandsons.
Honorary casketbearers were the granddaughters.
Arrangements were with the Shelley-Gibson Funeral Chapel in Swanville.