Mr. Donald Don Joseph Hedstrom

Mr. Donald Joseph Hedstrom was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Donald was born on November 27, 1931 at Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the son of Richard C. and Florence M. Hedstrom. Donald grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Donald was raised with two siblings. He had an older brother, Richard and a younger sister, Judi. Donald was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Donald had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Donald was an active child who took part in hockey, swimming and fishing. In his spare time he liked riding motorcycles. However, to Donald, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

He attended St. Albert the Great Catholic Grade School where Don learned the true meaning of the word "Discipline", via the 18 inch hardwood rulers, manned by the Dominican nuns. A typical teenager, Donald had a fairly happy high school experience. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1949. His favorite class in high school were wood shop and mechanical drawing.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Donald enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Eddie Mills, Don Carlson and Al Bluhm. Later in life, he became friends with Jerry Larson, Ken Schroeder, Cal Malinka and Lee Biggs.

Don met the love of his life, Marguerite Rose Fourre, in October of 1955 and they exchanged wedding vows on March 2, 1957 at St. Stephen's of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Empathic and loyal, Donald was committed to making his new family happy.

Donald worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Donald was blessed with four children, two sons, Donald and Anthony, and two daughters, Marie and Michelle. Another blessing for Donald was the gift of eight grandchildren, Kristen, Scott, Cory, Nicholas, Andrew, Alex, Kelly and Michael; and one great-grandchild, Jadyn.

Fortunately, Donald enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Donald worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was sales manager of office equipment. Don went to work for the Royal Typewriter Company in Minneapolis in 1960. In 1966 he was transferred to Royal's Branch in Anaheim, where he was their National Accounts Sales Rep. In 1969 he was transferred to the San Bernardino branch as Branch Manager. Don joined the J. R. Freeman Company in 1974 as a Business Machines Rep and was employed by them for 25 years. Donald always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Donald was an Air Force Veteran. He was in the Air Force from 1951 - 1959. Don entered the Aviation Cadet Program at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He completed his primary flight training at Bartow Air Base, Florida and received his wings and commission at Bryan Air Base, Texas. He was a fighter pilot. Donald saw action for one year in the Korean Conflict. He attended the "Jet Fighter Weapons School" (same as the Navy's "Top Gun" School) at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas. From there he was assigned to his first operational assignment as a Squadron Pilot flying F-86 Sabre Jets at Osan Air Base, South Korea. Don was then assigned to Tactical Fighter Squadrons at Bunker Hill Air Force Base, Indiana and England Air Force Base, Louisiana where he flew the F-84-F and the F-100 Super Sabre until he departed the Air Force in 1959. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Captain. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Donald enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were home improvement projects. He enjoyed going to Air Shows, growing tomatoes and soaking in his spa at Sun Lakes, plus taking naps. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Donald found pleasure in sports. Recreational activities included flying radio controlled airplanes.

Throughout his life, Donald was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Donald was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of San Bernardino for 19 years and served on their board of directors in 1982 and 1983, Pomona Valley RC Club and Gilman Springs RC Club.

Donald’s faith was important to him. He was a member of the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church for 20 years.

Donald enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Pismo Beach and Bay Lake.

Donald was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Sam the Siamese Cat. They were best friends for 6 years.

When Donald’s retirement finally arrived in June of 1995, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Sun Lakes in Banning, California. Even in retirement, Donald continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Donald was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Donald passed away on April 26, 2010 at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning, California. He is survived by his wife, Marguerite Hedstrom; children, Donald Hedstrom and his wife Billie, Anthony Hedstrom and his wife Patty, Marie Taber and her husband Mike, and Michelle Rousselle and her husband Randy; eight grandchildren, Kristen, Scott, Cory, Nicholas, Andrew, Alex, Kelly and Michael; one great-grandchild, Jadyn; and his sister Judi Bulgarelli and her husband Dennis. Services were held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church 1234 Palm Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223. Donald was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518.

Simply stated, Donald was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Donald leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Mr. Donald Joseph Hedstrom.