Frederick R. Hedtke

Frederick R. Hedtke, f/k/a Alfred W.R. Hedtke, 85, 4605 Valdres Spring Ct. Schofield, WI 54476, went peacefully to our Father in Heaven, listening to Christian Holiday Music at the Palliative Care Unit of Aspirus Hospital on, Saturday, December 7, 2013; Pearl Harbor Day. Fred was surrounded by family and a former employee during this passage. Fred, Freddy, Bub was born on June 3, 1928, in Hatley, WI to Frederick R. Hedtke Sr. and Adelaide Richter Hedtke. Fred had two siblings; Walter Hedtke and Elaine Hedtke Edens Hettinga. Together the Hedtke Family provided a grocery store, locker plant and meat cutting service in the village for 91 years; Hedtke's IGA Store. Frederick Sr. and Adelaide Hedtke opened the grocery store in 1915. The store was in business until June 30, 2006; where they had a town celebration and simply closed the doors. The IGA store was a center of activity for the community and a convenience for the small Village. Both Walter and Bub worked well beyond retirement age, as a service to the community. The IGA store provided employment for many people in the area, especially important was that "first job" for many of the local teenagers. They were taught customer service and hard work. Fred spent many hours making his famous bacon, hams and sausage in the smoke house. Everyone wants the recipes. Fred was especially fond of animals and has claimed two for saving his life. Once when he was young, his dog 'Rover' dragged him by his britches away from danger to safety, more recently when Fred fell and couldn't move in his home 'Tommy' the cat laid on his head and neck area and prevented hyperthermia. Fred was a Bachelor who enjoyed teasing his customers and later his nurses. He had a twinkle in those blue eyes and a quick joke for all. Fred graduated from Birnamwood High School and was in the Army Reserves from 1953-1959 with an honorable discharge. In 1959, Fred bought one of the first Civilian Army Willy Jeep's. Fred also purchased many acres of land in Hatley called Blueberry Hill, where he would take people for rides in the Jeep through this beautiful terrain. The land is full of berries, deer, and snowmobile trails. Fred loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and trains. He enjoyed model trains as well as riding the trains with friends and family. He especially liked the train ride through the Agawa Canyon to Hearst and back. Fred also enjoyed going on the vacation trips with the Jerry Goetsch Orchestra. One time in Alaska, Fred walked into the hotel and was greeted by one of his former employees with a hug, and people said "Fred you have friends all over the world." I believe that was his goal; to be kind to everyone. Fred also enjoyed his fall hunting trips out west. He brought back Moose, Elk and Mule Deer. Two of his mounts can be viewed at Gander Mountain. During the summer Fred would slip out of the store for a few hours and bring back a pail of Blue Gills. Fred also traveled to the Bahama's, Jamaica and other places with fellow Grocers sponsored through the IGA Corporation. Fred was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Ringle, WI. He was also a member of the Hatley Fire Department, and Hatley Lions Club. The Lions Club in Rosholt was also important to him. Fred was a supporter of the 4-H Market Animal and Sale at the Wisconsin Valley Fair and each year bought prize winning entries. Fred was very patriotic. He loved America and was a life time member of the NRA. Freedom was very important and had many newspaper clippings about Pearl Harbor Day. Preceded in death. Parents, Frederick Hedtke Sr. and Adelaide Richter Hedtke, Brother, Walter Hedtke and Sister, Elaine Hedtke Edens Hettinga. Survivors include: Sister-in-Law, Mathilda Will Hedtke. Nieces and Nephews. Susan Hedtke Helberg, Jacksonville FL. Jon Hedtke, Boston, MA, Jeffery Hedtke, Weston, WI, Shelley Hedtke (Ray) Fawley, Watertown, WI. Jean Edens, Stevens Point, David Edens, Weston, WI, James Edens, Madison, WI and Mary Sue Edens (Wayne) Kuss, Wausau, WI. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Ringle and again December 12, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A church service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday. Burial will be at the family site in Norrie. Pall bearers will be Nephews: Andrew Bartelt, Matthew Bartelt, Scott Marcott, Ray Fawley, Heath Edens and Matthew Edens. A Military Salute at the grave site will conclude the service. A special 'Thank you' to the Renaissance Assisted Living and the Rennes Health and Rehab Center. Fred has lived there for the past several years and received the very best care. He especially enjoyed the activities, happy hour with music, the care givers personal attention and the chance to talk with so many other people at the facility. Finally, a very special 'Thank you' to the Doctors and Nurses at Aspirus Hospital for their excellent professional care. Fred was a good role model for his family. Be kind to everyone, work hard and enjoy life.