August 5, 1940 – January 14, 2025
Rodney Neil “Rod” Hedegard; also known as “Boots”, of Kensett, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly January 14, 2025 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City at the age of 84.
A celebration of life will be held 2:00pm Friday, January 24, 2025 at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City, IA 50401. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.
Rod was born in Red Wing, Minnesota; son of Henry and Lucille (Christianson) Hedegard. He grew up and attended school in Plymouth, Iowa. Over the years he worked in a number of positions; hauling grain and working for McGregor’s. He spent most of his career working in maintenance for Winnebago; working for them for 17 years. Rod was united in marriage to Marilyn “Mona” Richsmann December 4, 1968 in Brownsdale, Minnesota.
In his younger years, he liked to dance; but his real passion was in country music. His guitar was a constant companion, a source of solace and celebration. The chords he played became the soundtrack for countless family gatherings and camping trips, where friends and loved ones would gather around the fire. He was also known to enjoy a good fishing trip when the opportunity arose.
He took pleasure in life’s simple tasks, like mowing the yard, and his kindness extended to his neighbors, for whom he would often mow their lawns just because he enjoyed the work so much. He and Mona would go around with friends, playing music and entertaining themselves amongst their homes. Everyone would bring a little something to eat and they made wonderful memories together.
A man of many loves, Rod also had a sweet tooth that was legendary. He always had to have his chocolate frosted donuts and his diet mountain dew. His stubbornness was as much a part of him as his generosity, but those who knew him well understood that beneath that bull-headed exterior was a heart of pure gold.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife. Mona; children, Michelle (Ed) Shackleton; Teresa Compton; and Holly Hedegard; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Preceding him in death are his son, Michael Hedegard; parents; brother, Roger Hedegard; and sister, Norma Paulsen.
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