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BORN
1941
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Henry Hedberg Obituary
Henry was born Feb 26, 1941 in Seattle to Della May (Bryan) Hedberg and Henry Hedberg. The family, his parents, maternal grandmother, two sisters and one brother, moved to Anchorage in August of 1954. They drove up in a 1951 Plymouth sedan camping out along the way and he often spoke about how his grandmother cooked their meals over a campfire.
Graduating from Anchorage High School in 1960 and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in 1969 with a degree in Music Education, Henry began teaching choral music at Mears Middle School in Anchorage Alaska. A few years later he moved to East Anchorage High School where he enjoyed conducting many choirs and participating in the productions of Broadway shows. Henry was an inspiration to many students and always enjoyed hearing from them in his retirement. He was given the Outstanding Alaska Music Educator Award in 1991 and retired in 1995.
As a lifelong automotive sports enthusiast as well as a longtime member of the Anchorage Concert Chorus and the University Singers, Henry was as passionate about his hobbies and staying involved with family and friends.
Henry is survived by his wife Ronale Anson, sons Henry Aaron Hedberg and Joshua Hedberg (Heidi), step-daughter Tina Thompson (Richard), seven grandchildren and two great-granddaughters and Izzy, his feline companion. He was preceded in death by his brother Dennis, sisters Karen William and Shannon Parker, and his kitty, Katy.
Services will be held Thursday, July 19th, 6pm at Evergreen Memorial Chapple in downtown Anchorage. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Anchorage Concert Chorus and Friends of Pets.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Hedberg
Sponsored by Douglas Ricketts.
Keith Jenkins (Class of 95)
February 28, 2022
Mr. Hedberg always inspired artistically and strategically. I am trumpet player from East High Band and he kept things real and approachable for all artists and musicians wherever they were at in their development. He looked out for the his students and shared a great love for the arts that lighted the way for many. I digged him a ton, and when I came back from Afghanistan combat operations in 2002, it was a joy to hear him sing in the Anchorage Concert Chorus at Christmas. He is a local treasure that is cherished by us.
Robert Grainger
August 8, 2018
Henry was a great teacher, mentor and friend. Prayers for all feeling the loss of a truly wonderful man.
Robert Grainger (class of 87).
Phyllis Kruger
August 5, 2018
Mr. Hedberg, One of the greatest teachers at East High School. I did my first musical " Brigadoon" . I also knew you as Uncle Bryan because you were the best man in my Aunts and Uncle's wedding. You inspired so many of us musically and never judged us. Rest Easy my friend and know we will always carry the music with us
Victor Kalolo
July 26, 2018
One of my favorite teachers and the coolest. Even though I can't sing he would always made me feel like a super star. Rest in Paradise.
Michael Fenster
July 25, 2018
Henry, It was such pleasure to teach with you at East High. You were supportive and always had a great laugh. Many students we shared in classes and t was fun to hear that our antics as teachers complemented each other at times. I have not forgotten your fashion choice to always wear a Hawaii'i Shirt on Fridays, and I've continued that even into my retirement teaching jobs. It's an honor to continue that in your stead. I'm not the religious type, but know that in many souls your spirit lives on. Thanks for all you've done.
Kelley Jewell
July 24, 2018
You always believed in your students, Mr. Hedberg. I've never forgotten that. Thank you for being an inspiration and making me laugh and learn.
Laurie Bruce (Slone)
July 20, 2018
Mr. Hedberg was my mom's choir teacher as well as mine at East high. I'm not a good singer but I always had fun in his class and would hang our in his room at lunch with my friends. He was so funny and still managed to get everyone to listen and respect him. Great teacher!!
Kathy Grubba Gilmour
July 20, 2018
Mr. Hedberg had a way of cultivating musicians. I sang in both his Choirs for four years at East High School. One day after class he asked me to stay afterward. Thinking I was in trouble, I was surprised when he asked me to sing one of his favorites, O Shenandoah. It was my first solo. If he would never have made me stay after class and encouraged me in only the way Mr. Hedberg could, I never would have gone on to sing professionally one day.
- Love ya, Mr. Hedberg!!! I appreciate that you believed in me even when I didn't.
Carolyn Gordon
July 19, 2018
I loved Henry's appreciation for all music and he was a devoted fan of the Alaska Chamber Singers even when his wife Ronale no longer sang with us. When I became physically restricted, we shared the stage together when my group joined with the Anchorage Concert Chorus for joint symphony concerts. He was a big man with a big presence and a big heart. You'll be missed, my friend.
Bill and Lou, and our three-- Arnold
July 18, 2018
Most loved him right where he was, doing just what he did best, loving people and making musicians out all of the that he possibly could! He saw our Daughter, Helen, into becoming an accomplished accompianist with the piano--called her Thunderfingers, having her play in the
jazz band. We all, in this family, loved
him dearly--and we're mighty happy to know we'll catch up with him some fine day in Heaven!
Evan Hall
July 17, 2018
Oh Henry,
What a kind funny gentle man. I enjoyed our conversations at the PAC. I enjoyed your humor, your joy and your patience. Your love of the arts and your willingness to talk to anyone who would sit down and talk. You will be missed my friend.
K. Tremont
July 17, 2018
Heaven must have needed a choir director. They got the best.
Chena Charlesworth-Zimmerman
July 17, 2018
Such a joyful soul! I was a student of his in the early 1990s. It's so rare to meet a soul so filled with joy and love. He seriously has the best sense of humor and I have missed being in his presence all of these years. I look forward to meeting him again once it's my turn to return home to my Father. Grateful to have known him!
Susan McGee (Ancil)
July 17, 2018
Most of my happiest memories of high school were from Mr. Hedberg's classroom! Choir, Swing Choir, hanging out at lunch, etc. I will miss running into him around town as an adult. Such a huge loss to the Anchorage community.
Keri Muse-Meszaros
July 17, 2018
Back in the day..1970/80's our families were close. My dad directing the band students at East, while just across the hall, Mr. Hedberg, managed the choir. Those were the days of weekend dinners together, me taking care of his boys, and for a fleeting time... me singing in his choir after many years playing in the band. It is with heavy heart that our paths never crossed all these years later. This is a lesson learned, not wait until it's too late to visit/seek out those family friendships made all those years ago. Mr. Hedberg, you will be greatly missed! My deepest sympathy to the family and closest friends.
Ian Johnson
July 17, 2018
Mr. Hedberg was the best music teacher I ever had. He inspired myself and my friends to express ourselves through music. He was a constant source of encouragement for me, and his witty banter kept me on my toes everyday. Not a day goes by that I don't reflect upon something that he imparted to me during one of our many conversations. I love music and sing everyday because of this man! Thank you Mr. Hedberg, may you direct the angels in heaven to sing harmoniously forever!
Maria Downs
July 17, 2018
Beloved Choir Teacher- East ANC High School
Tammie Smith-Scott
July 17, 2018
I knew Mr. Hedberg as a student and later when I managed the auditorium. I valued his mentorship, professionalism, humor and humanity. We talked racing, music, theatre and life. He has been and forever will be a valued and much loved person in my life.
Brenda Williams (Burton)
July 17, 2018
Mr. Hedberg was one of those teachers that you never forget. Even though I can barely carry a tune, he made me feel like I could sing in the choir at Dimond/Mears. His classes were filled with joy. You will be missed and my sympathy goes to your family.
Janell (Plumley) Wight
July 16, 2018
I had the honor of having Mr. Hedberg as a teacher through Jr. High and High School until I graduated in 1975. All of his students loved him. He was a gifted director who loved music, loved kids, and loved teaching. He made a difference in the lives of hundreds and hundreds of students. What a legacy to leave behind. Go with God, Mr. Hedberg. You will never be forgotten.
Julianne Begley
July 16, 2018
If there is one teacher you are to remember, it was Mr. Hedberg. He was my music teacher at Dimond in 74-75. May the Hedberg family find comfort knowing he influenced and touched so many lives. God Bless you all.
Linda Travers-Inglima
July 16, 2018
R. I. P. Mr. Hedberg. My condolences to his wife and family. Mr. Hedberg will be remembered at East High School forever.
Gabriel and Aurora Solis
July 16, 2018
Extending our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. Please consider Hosea 13:14. and may the cherished memories of your loved one comfort you.
Teresa Thiele
July 16, 2018
RIP, Mr. Hedburg! You were my favorite teacher at Dimond-Mears. My sincere condolences to your family and friends. :'( <3
July 16, 2018
The Hedberg Family,
I had the pleasure of racing cars with Henry and I am also an East High graduate, however I never could carry a tune so I wasn't enrolled in any of Henry's music classes.
Henry's race car always carried a nice tune. My condolences to the family. God Speed Henry !
Jim Hemmesch.
July 15, 2018
Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1.
Victor Parker
July 15, 2018
My dear Uncle Brian, my favorite uncle if I had one for sure. My mother was his sister Shannon. So many memories have come back the last couple of days, I smile knowing they are all together again, Aaron and Josh condolences from the Parker's, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Vic
Julie Veronick
July 15, 2018
Mr. Hedberg was my guitar teacher at East Anchorage High School when I attended from 1977 to 1981. He was a wonderful teacher, a lot of fun, and he was always in a good mood. I would occasionally see him from time to time around town. He shall be missed. My deepest condolences to his family.
Jim Taylor
July 15, 2018
The Hedberg Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Hank at East High and at Bartlett High School. I always loved to watch him work with the kids. He was a good teacher, a good role model, and an altogether interesting guy. He always had a unique perspective on life. Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences on his passing.
Eugenia Rodgers
July 15, 2018
Mr. Hedberg Family,
I pray that you find comfort in your time of loss.
Laura ARNOLD Rodgers
Lynette Harple
July 15, 2018
Henry was a great colleague. Loved his sense of humor. He touched the lives of many kids and fellow teachers for years.
Brian Smith
July 15, 2018
An Inspiration, a mentor.. One in a million.. Thank you, Mr. Hedberg for everything; but mostly for your kind patience, and your contagious love of music! 'If there's a Rock n' Roll Heaven'.. Well, it's all the richer now ~
Brian Smith, East High '77
('Antigoni')
K C
July 14, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure in your heart and it lives forever. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
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