Bennhard 'Ben' Hedlund

On March 2nd, 2026, at age 87, Bennhard (Ben) Hedlund went home to heaven, surrounded by family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be remembered by all who had the joy of knowing him.

Ben was born in 1938 in Robbinsdale, MN, the second oldest of five. He graduated from Minnehaha Academy and St. Cloud State College. Ben served 8 years in the Army Reserves as a combat engineer along with 41 years in law enforcement serving for Fridley, MN (2+ years), San Diego, CA (1 year), Blaine, MN (27 years, of which the last 20 were as Sergeant and night supervisor), and Anoka County (10 years).

Ben’s strong faith in the Lord guided his life and desire to help others. He enjoyed playing many different sports including tennis at college, softball, basketball, table tennis and volleyball. He spent his free time riding motorcycles, singing in the church choir, and innumerable weekends at his cabin. He was his children’s and grandchildren’s superfan, attending EVERY event, game, and concert each of them had. We will always remember the epic road trips, with very few breaks, to visit far off relatives and annual camping trips to Colorado and Voyageurs National Park. Post retirement Ben enjoyed international travel with family, many overseas mission trips, and winter vacations in Cabo.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Jon (Sheli) Hedlund (Hannah, Joshua, Sophia), Jessica (Ben) Kubicek (Jason and Seth), and Jeremy Hedlund (Madelyn, Alaina, and Julie); siblings Ann Hoppe, Deborah Hedlund, and Cam Hedlund. He was preceded in death by his parents Delmer and Ruth Hedlund and sister Rebecca Jordan.

A memorial service celebrating Ben Hedlund’s life will be held on March 20th at 1:30pm at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Fridley, MN with a time for family and friends starting at 12:30pm. Light refreshments will be served following the service. Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the life he lived.