Memorial

Warren A. Hedlin, 94, formerly of Bemidji, Minnesota and Marco Island, Florida died at Cottage Grove Place on Friday May 8, 2015.

Private family services will be officiated by Pastor Steven J. Knudson of First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Inurnment in Bemidji will be at a later date, this summer.

He is survived by a daughter, Anne (Philip) Lenzen of Cedar Rapids, son Andy (Joyce) Hedlin of Marshall, Minnesota, and five grandchildren: Sofie, Gunnar, and Erik Lenzen and Sameh and Ta’mia Hedlin.

He was preceded in death by his wife; JoAnne, two sisters and a brother.  

Warren was born on September 17, 1920 in Kenmare, North Dakota, the son of Karl and Esther Hedlin. He graduated from the University of North Dakota, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Army, and fought as a captain in World War II in the European Theater.

He started his career with IBM in 1947 in New York City where he met his wife, JoAnne Bridston.  They were united in marriage on May 28, 1954, and enjoyed 57 years together.  Serving as a branch manager for IBM, they lived in Madison, Wisconsin and St. Paul, Minnesota. Warren retired in 1982 when he and JoAnne moved to Marco Island where they spent their winter months and enjoying each summer at their lake home in Bemidji.

In addition to being an avid runner, Warren enjoyed downhill skiing, biking and entertaining with JoAnne and with his family and friends.  Warren was a community leader during his 20 years in Madison; he was recognized as “Know Your Madisonian” in 1968, leading the United Way and March of Dimes campaigns, in addition to being president of Kiwanis Club and serving on the board of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony. As part of the business and spiritual team, Warren led the inception of the Bethel Series bible studies and served as president of the Bethel Lutheran Church board.  

Warren will be remembered as a resolute, committed, unwavering and loving guide to his family in all aspects of life. Growing up on a farm in western North Dakota with his strong Swedish Lutheran heritage was the foundation of his hard work and values.

The family would like to thank the extraordinary staff at Cottage Grove Place for their loving care for Warren. 

Memorial donations may be given to the University of North Dakota Foundation in memory of Warren. All donations will go the Bridston-Hedlin Endowment for Business and Music in care of Anne Lenzen, 2750 Indian Hill Road SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa  52403.