Dorothy “Jean” Hedbloom, age 100 of Knoxville, passed from this earthly life at 5:34 a.m. Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Betty’s Garden Memory Care in Kewanee, Illinois.
She was born August 1, 1921 in Galesburg, the daughter of Everett N. and Vonna Pauline (Marks) Carlberg. She married Leonard J. Hedbloom on January 1, 1944 at the farm of Jean’s parents, when Leonard came home on leave while serving in the Army at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. Leonard J. preceded her in death on September 22, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Louise Quick and one brother, Robert Carlberg.
Jean is survived by her loving children, Sharyn J. Hedbloom (Margaret R. Frimoth) of Astoria, Oregon, Janis J. King Wood (Rich) of Knoxville, Bruce L. (Norma) Hedbloom of Knoxville, and Lynne M. Hedbloom (Arne Otness) of Seaside, Oregon; 10 grandchildren, Seth (and Shannon) King, Michael Hedbloom (Marisol), Carlos Barrios, Aaron (Jessica) King, Nate (Stephanie) King, Elisa Barrios, Linley (Hedbloom) and Andy Fleisher, Scott Hedbloom (Amber), Anna (and Billy) Bolt, and Jonathan Wood; 21 great-grandchildren: Lauren, Emily, Olivia, and Henry King, Harper, Everett, and Anders King, Eloise and Leonard King, Bryar and Emerson Fleisher, Aubree Nemeth and Wakely Hedbloom, Will Bolt, Kelci, Jonathan, Jordyn, Heaven, Natalia, Jonae, and Raelynn Wood; a sister-in-law, Hazel Carlberg of Wilmington, North Carolina; many nieces, nephews and their families.
She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1931 and from Brown’s Business College in 1941. She was an office worker and later worked as an assembler. She was a loving farm wife for her husband and they farmed in the Gilson, Wataga, Abingdon and Galesburg areas. She was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Knoxville, a member of Home Extension and a former 4-H Leader. She enjoyed music, sewing, art projects, gardening, flowers, upholstery repair, cross stitching, quilting, crocheting and knitting, and playing card games. Jean’s commitment to family was extraordinary and lives on in the hearts of those she touched.
As she requested, cremation is accorded. The public is invited to the graveside service, 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at the Abingdon Cemetery. Pastor Jordan Knight will officiate. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Abingdon Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to The Healing Circle (Victory Over Child Abuse Camps), Astoria, Oregon, a non-profit organization started by Sharyn Hedbloom and Margaret Frimoth with family participation by Lynne Hedbloom and Elisa Barrios as volunteers, with financial support from other family members. Memorials of your choice are appreciated, as well. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
