"Jo and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss,it has been so long sence we last seen each other I hope you remember me . Anyway I just wanted to say my heart is with you and the family ."
In loving memory of
Larry V. Hedlund
March 9, 2008
Larry Vern Hedlund, one of seven children of Cloe Nettie (Stogdill) and Ralph Oscar Hedlund, was born November 25, 1940 in Malvern, Iowa. Larry attended Malvern schools and graduated from the Malvern High School in 1959. He attended Wayne State Teachers College at Wayne, Nebraska for two years and then accepted a position as a construction supervisor for Kiewit Construction Company of Omaha, Nebraska. Larry enrolled in self-study courses in the field of heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation. He later took a job with Uniroyal in Red Oak, Iowa as a facilities maintenance worker.
Larry was united in marriage to Joanna J. Sullivan on February 22, 1962 at the First Baptist Church in Malvern. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters, Vernelle Joanne, Sheri Renee, and Lynette Leigh. The family continued to live in Malvern where they actively participated in community events.
Larry and Jo partnered with Larry and Lou Maynes to establish Larry's Hardware, an appliance and hardware store in Malvern. Later the store was sold and Larry briefly worked from home, servicing appliances along with heating and air-conditioning systems. He soon accepted a position as contractor supply sales manager for the Nebraska Furniture Mart in Omaha and later accepted transfers to their Des Moines, Iowa store and finally to their new store in Kansas City. Larry retired in 2003, and he and Jo moved to Shenandoah, Iowa in 2005.
Larry faithfully served the Malvern Community as a member and officer of the Malvern Volunteer Fire Department, member of the City Council and a member of the Commercial Club. In 1971, he was one of thirteen charter members who established Malvern Volunteer Rescue, Inc. and was the first elected secretary-treasurer for the new organization. That same year, he became one of the first Emergency Medical Technicians in the state. Although he lived in several Midwest cities, Malvern was always his home. In addition to his family, Larry found great enjoyment in woodworking and fishing.
Larry and Jo had been married 46 years when he died on March 9, 2008 at the Shenandoah Medical Center at the age of 67 years, 3 months, and 12 days. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Leonard.
Larry is survived by his wife Joanna Hedlund of Shenandoah, Iowa; daughters, Vernelle Potter and husband Lee and their children, Jessica, Matthew and Logan Potter of Greenville, TX, Sheri Slosson and husband Roger and their children, Hanna and Sydney Slosson of Omaha, NE, Lynette Roberts and husband Scott and their children, Amanda and Megan Roberts of San Antonio, TX; brothers, Lloyd Hedlund and wife Leona of Emerson, IA, Lee Hedlund and wife Luella of Rockport, TX, Lonnie Hedlund and wife Retha of Pineville, LA, Lyle Hedlund and wife DeDe of Carter Lake, IA; sister Vera Crom and husband Geary of Murray, NE; other relatives and friends.
Private Interment
Memorials are suggested to the Malvern Volunteer Fire Department or Malvern Volunteer Rescue.
Tributes
"Jo, The news of Larry's passing has saddened me more than I can express. Our roots were all from the same neighborhood and somehow while we didn't remain close we seemed to have an unbreakable tie. Larry was very important to my mother and she cared for him deeply. Truly, you had the privilege of being married to one of the good ones. Please know, my heart is with you today and in the days to come. But I know, he left behind a survivor. Love and Hugs Carmen"
"So, so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. As a class mate of Larry and yours, I knew him to be truly "ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS." He had a great sense of humor, was always there to help when I needed a hand, and I loved to hear that great laugh of his. Thank heavens that in 46 years of marriage, you'll have many wonderful memories that you have shared with Larry to help you through this pain. My thoughts are with you and your family, Joanna. Ruth Anne(Anderson)Stacy "
"Lynette & family: We were so sorry to hear about your dad. We read about it in the Shen paper (where we still live). We are thinking about you. Take care of yourself! From "old" friends, Todd & Kim (Hunt) Kellison "
"Lynette & family: We were so sorry to hear about your dad. We read about it in the Shen paper (where we still live). We are thinking about you. Take care of yourself! From "old" friends, Todd & Kim (Hunt) Kellison "
"Aunt Jo, we were deeply saddended to hear about Uncle Larry. We understand how difficult this time must be for you, the whole family is in our thoughts and prayers. Uncle Larry was a wonderful, kind man... the world needs so many more gentle souls like him. May you and your family experience peace during this trying time. We love you all."
"Dear Jo and Family...It was a priveledge to know Larry, he was such a kind and gentle man. I will always remember that twinkle in his eyes! His pain and suffering is over and one day we will all meet again. God Bless You! "
"Dear Sherri and Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Anna "
"I was so sorry to read of Larry's death. He was a good and kind man. My father especially thought the world of him and he was so very kind to Mother. Thank you for sharing him with us. I remember him as one of the "Big" boys who often teased us, but always with major twinkles in his eyes! He will be greatly missed. Most sincerely, Chelly Mort Kenney "
"Sherri and Family - We are so very sorry to hear of your father's passing. We are praying for you and your entire family during this difficult time. Love, The Hasenjager's"
"Joanna and Family, I am very sorry for your loss. I have had the honor and privilege to work closely with Larry at NFM for over 15 years. Larry taught me many valuable lessons about life, integrity and a strong work ethic. I am grateful to have been his student. I will remeber Larry each time I recall or use one of his lessons. God Bless, Jody"