Victor "Vic" Hedberg

Arnold Victor “Vic” Hedberg was born to John F. and Alice I. (Milner) Hedberg September 2, 1926, in Loveland, Colorado.  He was baptized on January 16, 1927.  Vic passed away February 13, 2022, at Riverview Estates Nursing Home, Marquette, Kansas, at the age of 95.

Vic grew up in Masonville, CO and graduated from high school in Loveland, CO.  After serving two years in the U.S. Army in Japan during World War II, Vic moved to Marquette, KS in 1946.

It was in Marquette that Vic married Erika Marlene “Boots” Jost on June 9, 1949.  Vic and Boots spent the early years of their marriage living and working in various places in Colorado and Idaho before returning to Marquette in 1954.  Vic and Boots were blessed with five children:  Ken, Jackie, Timothy, Quint and Matt.  Vic and Boots shared 63 years together before Boots passed away May 12, 2013.  Over the years, Vic supported his family by farming and raising cattle and was the owner and operator of Hedberg & Sons Trucking Company from 1960-1973.  At the age of 62, Vic proudly went to work as a rural mail carrier for the US Postal Service in McPherson, retiring at the age of 86.

Vic served for many years as treasurer of the McPherson County Rural Fire District 2 board and was known for keeping a watchful eye over how taxpayer money was being spent.  Vic retired from this position in 2018 at the age of 92.  In addition, Vic served for many years on the Marquette Township board and was often seen volunteering his time spraying weeds, mowing or doing what he could to help maintain the area. Vic was a member of the Edith B. Hokanson Post 253 American Legion for over 60 years.  He was proud and honored to serve in the color guard at Memorial Day services and funerals, retiring in 2021.  Vic was a member of Elim Lutheran Church and served USD 400 for many years as a school board member and bus driver. 

Vic enjoyed being on call for the family farm when someone needed a ride or a load of cattle hauled to the sale barn in Salina. He trucked many loads of grain to the elevator in Marquette, hauling his last semi-load to town in June of 2021.  He spent his later years maintaining control of volunteer trees and noxious weeds in his pastures and took much pride in keeping up with current events and what was happening in the world.  Vic was happiest when he was busy and could never figure out why anyone would ever want to retire. 

Vic is survived by his 5 children:  Ken, Marquette; Jackie (Craig) Larson, Marquette; Tim (Rhonda), Syracuse; Quint (Beth), Marquette; Matt (Diane), Marquette.  Grandchildren include Betsy (Curtis) Patrick, Lindsborg; Heath (Kristine) Larson, Wichita; Seth (Joyce) Larson, Arvada, CO; Kylee (Tyler) Good, Wichita; Kelly, Keith, Kegan, Kelsey Hedberg of Syracuse; Jill (Jared) Bauer of Hartford, S.D.; Luke and Ethan Hedberg, Marquette; Will Hedberg, Marquette; Makaela Hedberg of Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.   Great-grandchildren include Colter, Conway and Carly Patrick, Lindsborg; Mary, Andrew, Emil, Kristoff Larson, Wichita; Everett Larson, Arvada, CO; Beckham and Landon Good, Wichita; Kinzley, Brooks and Brynn Bauer, Hartford, SD; and one first cousin, Carolyn Bretches of Wichita.  Vic was preceded in death by his wife, Boots; brother, Leonard; and a great-granddaughter, Lucia Larson. 

Vic was blessed with a long life and good health and remained active until December 2021. 

Public graveside services with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 26, 2022, at the Lutheran Cemetery, on the western edge of Marquette with Amy Kay Pavlovich officiating.   Casual attire and lawn chairs are encouraged.   Public visitation and lunch will be held at Elim Lutheran Church following graveside services.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Marquette American Legion or Riverview Estates in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS  67460.