HEDLUND, JACK

Jack C. Hedlund, age 93, of Siren, WI passed away on Jan. 11, 2024, at Burnett Medical Center Continuing Care, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Sept. 4, 1930, in Grantsburg to the late Carl Hedlund and Mildred Peterson.

Jack was a talented athlete and excelled in sports during his time at the Grantsburg School District. He particularly stood out in basketball, baseball, and football. After graduating from high school, he attended Augsburg College for three years. It was during his college years that Jack discovered his passion for the kitchen while working as a short-order chef at Henry the Eighth Restaurant in the Normandy Hotel.

In 1948, Jack met the love of his life, Katherine Johnson, and their connection blossomed. Despite Katherine not knowing how to dance, Jack convinced her to attend the prom with him, marking the beginning of their beautiful journey together. Five years later, while on leave from the military and two weeks remaining in nursing school for Katherine, the couple decided to marry.

Jack served in the Navy as an Electrician Mate on the USS Yorktown CV-10 for three years, working in the battery locker and supplying power to the entire aircraft carrier. Following his service, Jack and Katherine moved to Madison where he enrolled in mechanical engineering at UW Madison. However, his entrepreneurial father had an idea to open a propane company in Siren prompting their move. Jack dedicated over 59 years to serving the community through Hedlund Gas, providing exceptional service and care.

Throughout his life, Jack had a deep love for the sky and shared this passion with his brother, Gerald, with whom he owned three planes. He was a dedicated member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Additionally, hunting and fishing were activities that brought immense joy to Jack, and he passed this love onto his children. With close to three decades of involvement, he chaperoned fishing trips with the Siren Community AG Association to Canada, raising funds by perfecting Jack’s Wild Rice Pancakes at the dairy breakfast.

Jack was also an active member of the Siren Fire Department, serving as an EMT on the local ambulance. Above all, his life revolved around his faith in Jesus, and he embodied a heart full of unwavering faith.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother, Gerald Hedlund.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Katherine; his two sons, Philip (Pandie) Hedlund of Spooner and Dr. Patrick (Karen) Hedlund of St. Croix Falls; his daughter, Pamela Hedlund, and Terry Lemke of Siren. Jack will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren, John (Krista) Hedlund, Mark (Amber) Hedlund, Peter (Linda) Hedlund, Kayla Hedlund, Luke Hedlund, Benjamin Hedlund, Noah Hedlund, Olivia Hedlund, and Anabelle Miller. He is further survived by his brother, Tom Hedlund; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Visitation took place on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Siren. The funeral was held on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. (visitation from 10-11 a.m.) at the New Hope Lutheran Church in Grantsburg with Pastor Emory Johnson officiating. Burial with military honors for Jack’s dedicated service took place at Spooner Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 11 a.m.

May the soul of Jack Hedlund rest in eternal peace, and may his cherished memories bring comfort to all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.