Douglas Alan Hedemark

Doug Hedemark (Gramps) was born on November 22, 1928. As a Thanksgiving holiday baby, he was filled with “Roaring 20’s” enthusiasm throughout his entire life. He passed Peacefully at home on New Years Day 2024.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio to Walter and Ruth Hedemark. He grew up in a family of meager means while still assisting their extended family. Often traveling distances to help one another, the family shared households as needed. His older sister Dorothy Hedemark Dolan also preceded him to heaven while in her 90's. Doug was very close to his uncle Roy Hedemark.

Raised in a devout Lutheran family he became Catholic when he married his neighbor and sweetheart Johannah Therese Shanahan. Johannah remarked that Doug’s first communion was a very special day for her.

Over 15 years they had 10 children including back-to-back sets of twins. The entire family was raised to love and care for one another. Always looking out for each other even if you might be mad at them for something silly.

Children include Cathie (Bob) Halso, Pat (Maria) Hedemark, Jean (Leonard) Cugliari, Jim (Barb) Hedemark, Wally (Mary) Hedemark, Mary (Allen) Wancha, Joseph Hedemark, Rita Smith, Paul (Maria) Hedemark, Peter (Sue) Hedemark, 28 Grandchildren and 32 Great Grandchildren.

Doug’s time in the service was largely spent playing baseball for the Army team. Doug was a talented player and excelled as a catcher, trying out for the Washington Nationals. However, a severe shoulder injury squelched his dreams of a baseball career. As a father and coach Doug would eagerly get behind the plate to warm up pitchers while wearing bricklayer work boots and no mask.

After finishing several years of Night School at Wayne State University, Doug finished his bachelor’s degree in education and taught Special Ed. very successfully in the Detroit School System. He eventually chose to return to construction work full time to better take care of his growing family. Doug worked on many landmark buildings in Detroit including COBO Hall, One Woodward, Grosse Pointe South, Brownell, Christ Church, and Mariners Cathedral. Perhaps some of his most beautiful work is captured in the many fieldstone fireplaces he constructed in Michigan and Ontario.

Years later, he combined his love of horses and metal work by becoming a Farrier and was the last Farrier in Michigan to have a coal burning forge in his truck. He was even called upon by Veterinarians at MSU, when they had unsolvable issues with some horse’s feet.

Late in life, this talented man started crafting violins by hand.

Beyond all of the talent in his hands Doug had an amazing thirst for knowledge. He read constantly. Never bothering with fiction, he immersed himself in historical and theological research. Gramps would drive across the state to have a special conversation with a priest that offered a perspective on a topic that he had been deeply thinking about. His sharp mind lent itself to a powerful sense of humor and wit as well.

He called several states home, settling back in Michigan in Mason, Pinckney, and St. Clair Shores. Always with family.

Gramps was endeared by so many-as he was outgoing. He could be found regularly getting around St. Clair Shores Downtown area with his sturdy Kroger cart.

Doug’s lifelong friend Pat Shanahan (Joanie's younger brother) continued to exchange letters and emails with Doug as recently as this past month.

During his final years Doug’s son Joe was truly his most attentive caregiver, As Gramps would say “Truly a Guardian Angel.”

Doug was loved by many and will truly be missed.