August R. Hedtke

1942 - 2025

Waseca - August Robert Hedtke Jr., of Waseca, MN, passed away on December 26, 2025, at his home.

Born on June 16, 1942, in Golden Valley, MN, he was the son of August Theodore Sr and Mary Elizabeth (Weidholz) Hedtke. At 12 years old, August got his first taste of hard work at a nearby vegetable farm. He later graduated from Anoka Senior High School, and following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army.

When he returned home, he married Joann, and together they purchased a farm near St. Francis, Minnesota. The couple later relocated to Fairmont, where they bought their first bowling alley. Eventually, they moved to Waseca and purchased the local bowling alley along with two Taco Johns restaurants, though their marriage later ended in divorce. August went on to manage the bowling alley while expanding his business ventures, purchasing another alley in St. Peter. He also continued to operate the Taco John's restaurant in Waseca until just a few years ago. August's love for bowling extended far beyond his businesses. He was an avid league bowler and spent years traveling across the United States, competing in USBC Championships and many other bowling tournaments.

August also loved fishing and eagerly anticipated his annual trip to the Boundary Waters with his good friend John. In his spare time, he also enjoyed trying his luck at the casino. August was a man of many words, and running into him meant you'd better have some time to spare. A quick hello often turned into a marathon of stories, laughter, and well-told tales. Whether he was deep in conversation or happily people-watching, August truly enjoyed the art of visiting. He was also a man who said things exactly the way they were-so if you struck up a conversation, it helped to be ready for whatever honest (and occasionally surprising) comment might come your way.

He is survived by his siblings, Carol Schultz, William Hedtke, and Nancy (Duane) Jones, brother-in-law, Bruce Nelson; along with many nieces, nephews and great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Geraldine Nelson, Joanne Chilson, Donald Hedtke, and Richard 'Dickie" Theodore Hedtke (age 20 months); brother-in-law, Edward Schultz; nephews, Kevin Hedtke and Fritz Schultz; niece, Kayleen Josephson.

A celebration of August's life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, at the Third Street Chapel of the Dennis - Steffel - Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca, MN.

Military Honors will be held at the funeral home following the Celebration of Life by the Waseca Honor Guard.