farewell, grandpa burt

The end of February and beginning of March have seen us through some dark moments: my grandfather passed away February 26 and our church community group leader passed away a few days later from colon cancer. My grandfather was 89 years old, and our friend from church was only 40. Since the visitations and funeral services happened at the same times, we attended only my grandfather's service. My aunts and uncles did such a beautiful job honoring Grandpa Burt's life. As I heard stories about him, I regretted that I wasn't as close to him as I would've liked. Grandpa was the typical stoical Swede, a man of few words. My grandma possesses quite the opposite personality, and usually she overshadowed my grandpa.

My grandpa had been living in assisted care for the last couple years. He suffered from Parkinsons and in his last days, he apparently had a stroke, and then passed away shortly thereafter. The day he died was a Thursday, and my mom had notified us that the nurses believed he wasn't going to be around much longer, so she was encouraging us to see him later that day. I planned on going over there to see him after Grace's nap. During her nap, my mom delivered the sad news that Grandpa had died peacefully in his sleep. I was so sad. Brett came home from work early, and we went over to the nursing home. My mom, dad, grandma, my sister, some of my cousins, and all my aunts and uncles except one who was out of town, were present. The kind chaplain conducted a short prayer service and then we all went over to my grandparents' home to eat dinner together, and my mom and her siblings began the funeral planning. 

I didn't take any pictures at the funeral, but the service was so reverent and wonderful. We sang Grandpa's favorite hymns: The Old Rugged Cross and Amazing Grace. My aunts and one uncle did some readings of a few psalms and another passage. I later learned from my grandma that my grandpa had memorized the psalms that were read at the funeral as a young man. 

My cousin Erika and me with Grandpa Burt

Grace toddled around while we reminisced Grandpa and discussed plans for the upcoming week

a moment of levity as Stella and Grace play with Izzy

Just this last Monday, my grandpa was buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. He had served in the Navy reserves. My mom and her siblings served as pallbearers.

the gunshells from the salute

Thank you to those who have expressed their sympathy either by sending cards, texts, or emails, and for donating Bibles in his name. Your thoughtfulness has been a comfort.

Below: my grandpa's obituary

Burton L. Hedstrom

Hedstrom, Burton L. age 89, of Minnetonka, MN, passed away on February 26, 2015. Burt was born in Kerkhoven, MN and raised in Appleton, MN where he learned to love hunting, fishing, and all types of sports. He graduated from Appleton High School and studied at Northwestern University, Evanston, graduating in 1947 where he was a two sport athlete. He met his bride to be, Marilyn Morgenson, while student teaching in Rochester, MN, marrying in 1949. He was able to pursue his love of baseball, playing in the Iowa League and coaching, as he taught junior high school. He then chose a career with Jostens Yearbook Company, first moving to Iowa and then Minnesota, and spent the next 43 years building a successful career that allowed him to abundantly provide for his wife and 9 children. He was blessed to be able to spend many summers at the lake in Park Rapids. He was a man of sound faith who loved the Lord and loved to sing a good hymn. Preceded in death by parents, Carl & Stella, and brother, Earl. Survived by wife, Marilyn; children, Carl (Renee), Kari (Drake) Lorence, Mark (Kathy), Sara (Anthony) Macagnone, Peter (Sharon), Andrew (Lorinda), John (Mary), Marit (Mike) Sprenger, and Jin (Thom) Lien; 27 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Carl (Eva) and sister-in-law, Margaret Hedstrom. Visitation on Friday, March 6, 6-8 PM at Washburn-McReavy, 1400 Mainstreet, Hopkins. Funeral service 11 AM Saturday, March 7 at Wooddale Church, 6630 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie, with visitation one hour prior to service and lunch afterwards. Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Thank you Beacon Hill Commons staff for love and care of Burt for three years. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to National Parkinson Foundation Minnesota.