TSGT Elden Leroy Hedberg, USAF (Ret.)

Elden was born in Tribune, Kansas to Arthur Hedberg and Ingeborg (Nelson) Hedberg on February 4, 1935. He went to school at Golden High School in Golden, Colorado. He married Peggy Ann Summers on February 1, 1957, in Golden, Co.

Elden joined the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and served honorably, retiring in 1973. The first six years were spent in the USAF Fire Department with the remainder of his service in aircraft maintenance. He served as a crew chief on the B47 and B52 bombers, then moved on to lead maintenance crews on FB-111A fighter jets. He retired as an E-6 Technical Seargent at Plattsburg AFB, NY with over 20 years of service.

Elden continued his dedication to our country with 20 more years of civil service, working at NORAD, Ft. Carson, and Peterson AFB, retiring in 1993. He belonged to The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA).

Elden would receive various honors and awards throughout his military and civil service career such as, Commendation medal, Good Conduct medal, Outstanding Unit ribbon, Longevity ribbon with a four oakleaf cluster indicating his 20+ years of honorable service, and he was certified as a small arms marksman, sharpshooter, and expert with the .30 Caliber Carbine.

Though Elden would never ask for recognition, it was earned, and we all give a salute to him and his lifetime of accomplishments. Although his accolades were just as important and impressive, deserving of being showcased, one that he would want recognized even more than his time serving, is his being part of a family of military veterans, from his father Arthur (WW1 Veteran), his brothers Leo (Army Infantry Veteran) and Carl (Navy Mechanic Veteran), and the many others who took part in serving the country that he so dearly loved.

Elden’s life as a husband to Peggy, a father to Teresa, Steven, Debra, and Michael, his friendships, and being a hardworking, humble, passionate American were just as important to him as his career and are just a few honors that would greatly fulfill his life.

After his family, cars were always Elden’s other love, and he spent his life working on them and collecting them – both full size and models. In 1986 he graduated from Pikes Peak Community College with an Associate of Applied Science Automotive degree.

Elden was preceded in death by parents Arthur and Ingeborg; siblings August, Marie, Leo, Raymond, Clarence, and Carl; and children Teresa (Herod) and Michael Hedberg.

Elden leaves a wife of 68 years, Peggy; sister, Ruth Lanyon; children, son Steven Hedberg and daughter Debra Brutocao (Len); six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services, with full military honors, will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Wounded Warriors Project.