Leonard J. Hedbloom

Leonard J. Hedbloom, 93 of Knoxville, passed from this earthly life at 6:56 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 4, 1921 at the family home in Cambridge, the son of Victor J. and Jesse L. Bennett Hedbloom. He came home on leave while serving in the Army from Camp McCoy, Wisconsin and married Dorothy “Jean” Carlberg on January 1, 1944 at the farm of Jean’s parents, Everett and Vonna Carlberg.

Leonard is survived by his loving wife of almost 72 years, Jean; his loving children, Sharyn J. Hedbloom (and Margaret Frimoth) of Astoria, Oregon, Janis J. King Wood (and Rich) of Knoxville, Bruce L. Hedbloom (and Norma) of Knoxville, and Lynne M. Hedbloom (and Arne Otness) of Seaside, Oregon; 10 grandchildren, Seth (and Shannon) King, Michael Hedbloom, Carlos Barrios, Aaron (and Jessica) King, Nate (and Stephanie) King, Elisa Barrios, Linley Hedbloom, Scott Hedbloom, Anna (and Billy) Bolt, and Jonathan Wood; 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way, Lauren, Emily, Olivia, and Henry King, Aubree Nemeth, Harper King, Eloise King, Will Bolt, and Kelci, Jonathan, Jordyn, Heaven, Natalia and Jonae Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Edith Naslund, Betsy Johnson, Victoria Hedbloom, and Bernadine Hedbloom (twins). 

He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1939. He served in the 2nd Armored Division and the 82nd Airborne Patrol of the U.S. Army during World War II and obtained the rank of Sergeant. He farmed for 53 years and also worked at Gates Rubber Company for 20 years. He retired from farming in 1999 and from Gates in 1984. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Knoxville. He was a member and past director of the Knox County Farm Bureau, the 2nd Armored Division Association (Battle of the Bulge), the “Hell on Wheels”, past Haw Creek Township Board member, and he served on the church cemetery board. He enjoyed working, helping others, stamp collecting, and spending time with his family. He loved flowers and working outside.

As he requested, cremation will be accorded. To celebrate his life, the family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2015 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel. Graveside service with the presentation of the United States Flag and playing of Taps will follow at the Abingdon Cemetery. Rev. Michel Clark will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, The Healing Circle (VOCA Camp) or Fund-a-Farmer. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.