Hedstrom, Arthur Clifford
February 27, 1919 – September 14, 2015
Age 96 of North Oaks and Grand Marais Died September 14, 2015 Preceded in death by twelve brothers and sisters, and Marian, his wife of 68 years. He was known for his unapologetic optimism and mastery of impossible tasks. Though born to a lumbering family in Grand Marais, an allergy to pine and cedar, a decided industry disadvantage, caused him to begin his career in the telecommunications business. He retired from NW Bell Telephone as a senior executive in 1981. During WWII he served in Army Intelligence where he developed unique code breaking equipment. After retirement he began domesticated wild rice farming and, in conjunction with the U of MN, a strain of wild rice was developed and named after him. He and Marian traveled widely and made friends from around the world. Art and Marian opened their hearts and homes to students from Germany and Russia, who then became part of our family. He was passionate about helping others. He was active in Boy Scouting and was instrumental in the development and expansion of Tomahawk Scout Reservation. He was member and past president of North Suburban Golden K Kiwanis Club. Art was the oldest past master of Garnet Lodge #166, AF&AM. Art is survived by daughter Diane Wesman (Eric), grandson Christopher Wesman (Sarah), granddaughter Jennifer Wesman Esnough (DeWayne), great-grandsons Miles Wesman and Eric Esnough, son Dean (Sandy Jacobsen), numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and a loving golden retriever. Memorial service to be held at Waverly Gardens, 5919 Centerville Road, North Oaks on Monday September 21 at 2PM. Interment at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Grand Marais in October. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Kiwanis Club of North Suburban Golden K; Boy Scouts of America, Northern Star Council; or Animal Humane Society, Golden Valley. (Published in Pioneer Press from Sept. 18 to Sept. 20, 2015)