Obituary for Dr. William Hedrick
William Louis Hedrick, M.D. Grandpa Bill, 92, Bloomington, formerly of Edina. Bill, also father, brother, father-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, and physician, died peacefully among family on October 2, 2019. Preceded in death by beloved wife, Deedee, beloved sons, Paul and William Hedrick, close relatives James White, Robert & Patsy White, Olive Hedrick, and Bill’s parents William and Helen Hedrick.
Bill was born in St. Paul on February 17, 1927. His brother Patrick Hedrick was born two years later, though their father also died in 1929. Thereafter, Helen raised the two boys with her sister Katie and husband Robert White, who also had two young boys, Robert and Jim. After Robert Sr. passed away in 1942 in WWII, the four boys complied with their mothers’ firm commitment to education by attending Christ the King School in Minneapolis, De la Salle High School, and St. Thomas College. After two years in the Navy, Bill finished college and then medical school at the University of Minnesota. He moved to Rochester for his medical residency at the Mayo Clinic, where he met and fell in love with Deidre Baker. With approval from Earl and Mary Baker--and the support of her siblings with whom Bill maintained a close relationship throughout his life--Deidre and Bill married in 1957.
The couple enjoyed a wonderful family and social life together. They had seven children in a ten-year span and kept an “open door” house to feed and shelter kids from the neighborhood and beyond. Bill put Deedee and children first where his selfless love, positive and optimistic attitude, and his ability to make life fun, challenging, and interesting were greatly embraced. He shared his passion of history and fine art by tugging his family along to museums and symphonies wherever they traveled. Bill enthusiastically attended hundreds of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting games and events. He was an avid and vocal fan at Gopher football and hockey games with contagious cheering even during those few losing seasons.
For more than 38 years Bill practiced medicine, primarily with Dr. Gerald Mullin, in downtown Minneapolis and at St. Mary’s Hospital. Bill’s care as an oncologist, counselor, and friend for hundreds of patients and their families was genuine, progressive, and professional. He donated frequent care to disadvantaged patients, Catholic nuns and priests, and those in hospice. Bill was uniquely humble and deeply respected the dignity of all persons. He sought to live and practice by Jerry Mullin’s motto: We should each try to help one person at a time - and let that be our cause.
Humor carried the day throughout Bill’s life. His quick wit caught many unsuspecting persons off-guard. At parties and social events, or just during a conversation, if there was a burst of laughter, Bill was likely behind it. Through humor, Bill made the sick laugh, the sad smile, and all the others enjoy life a little more. Bill’s puns and witticisms were legendary and brought smiles to family, friends, and strangers during his entire life.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the many healthcare providers, caretakers, aids, and assistants who contributed to Bill's comfort and well-being.
Bill’s children and grandchildren include son, John and Leslie Hedrick (Jessica, Joe and Jack); son, Robert and Ana Flavia Hedrick (Angelina and Gianna); son, David and Heather Kelly-Hedrick (Margot, Ian and Sophie); daughter, Anne and Jeff Sarles (Rob, Paul and Mark); and daughter, Patricia and Todd Magor (Cory, Madison and Will). Bill is also survived by his brother, Patrick Hedrick. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, October 26th at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, 5051 Eden Ave., Edina. Visitation at the church begins at 10 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials to: William L. Hedrick ‘81 Memorial Scholarship, St. Mary's University, 700 Terrace Heights #21, Winona, MN 55987.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088
Bill was born in St. Paul on February 17, 1927. His brother Patrick Hedrick was born two years later, though their father also died in 1929. Thereafter, Helen raised the two boys with her sister Katie and husband Robert White, who also had two young boys, Robert and Jim. After Robert Sr. passed away in 1942 in WWII, the four boys complied with their mothers’ firm commitment to education by attending Christ the King School in Minneapolis, De la Salle High School, and St. Thomas College. After two years in the Navy, Bill finished college and then medical school at the University of Minnesota. He moved to Rochester for his medical residency at the Mayo Clinic, where he met and fell in love with Deidre Baker. With approval from Earl and Mary Baker--and the support of her siblings with whom Bill maintained a close relationship throughout his life--Deidre and Bill married in 1957.
The couple enjoyed a wonderful family and social life together. They had seven children in a ten-year span and kept an “open door” house to feed and shelter kids from the neighborhood and beyond. Bill put Deedee and children first where his selfless love, positive and optimistic attitude, and his ability to make life fun, challenging, and interesting were greatly embraced. He shared his passion of history and fine art by tugging his family along to museums and symphonies wherever they traveled. Bill enthusiastically attended hundreds of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting games and events. He was an avid and vocal fan at Gopher football and hockey games with contagious cheering even during those few losing seasons.
For more than 38 years Bill practiced medicine, primarily with Dr. Gerald Mullin, in downtown Minneapolis and at St. Mary’s Hospital. Bill’s care as an oncologist, counselor, and friend for hundreds of patients and their families was genuine, progressive, and professional. He donated frequent care to disadvantaged patients, Catholic nuns and priests, and those in hospice. Bill was uniquely humble and deeply respected the dignity of all persons. He sought to live and practice by Jerry Mullin’s motto: We should each try to help one person at a time - and let that be our cause.
Humor carried the day throughout Bill’s life. His quick wit caught many unsuspecting persons off-guard. At parties and social events, or just during a conversation, if there was a burst of laughter, Bill was likely behind it. Through humor, Bill made the sick laugh, the sad smile, and all the others enjoy life a little more. Bill’s puns and witticisms were legendary and brought smiles to family, friends, and strangers during his entire life.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the many healthcare providers, caretakers, aids, and assistants who contributed to Bill's comfort and well-being.
Bill’s children and grandchildren include son, John and Leslie Hedrick (Jessica, Joe and Jack); son, Robert and Ana Flavia Hedrick (Angelina and Gianna); son, David and Heather Kelly-Hedrick (Margot, Ian and Sophie); daughter, Anne and Jeff Sarles (Rob, Paul and Mark); and daughter, Patricia and Todd Magor (Cory, Madison and Will). Bill is also survived by his brother, Patrick Hedrick. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, October 26th at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, 5051 Eden Ave., Edina. Visitation at the church begins at 10 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials to: William L. Hedrick ‘81 Memorial Scholarship, St. Mary's University, 700 Terrace Heights #21, Winona, MN 55987.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088