Edward Arnold Hedke

Arnold was born on August 23, 1932, at the Hedke family homestead northwest of Randolph, Kansas near Otter Creek to Edward and Winifred (Hagenmaier) Hedke. Shortly before he turned seven, his mother died from tuberculosis. As an only child, his mother’s passing allowed him and his father to develop a strong bond. He shared countless memories of trips to Kerrville, TX to visit his mother in a sanitorium, missing (skipping!) school to listen to the World Series on the radio and the weekly farm dances held on Saturday evenings. Listening to his Dad and Uncle Charlie play the fiddle brought so much pleasure to those in the tight-knit Randolph community. He was very proud of his upbringing in the Fancy Creek area, with no stronger memory than attending the one-room schoolhouse, Prairie Rock. He took it upon himself to hand-chisel the school’s name on a beautiful 2- ton piece of Kansas limestone; delivered and placed the stone, so anyone passing by would be able to identify the school. We held many family events at the beautifully renovated schoolhouse during the last several years. He was one of four remaining classmates from the Randolph Rural High School class of 1950. His love of reading allowed him to explore and absorb more information than most.

His life-long construction career began with Walters Construction Company in 1950. In 1985 he joined his son Mike at Hedke Construction. Long-lasting friendships developed through the years and Arnold cherished those friendships to the end, including his grateful friendship with Bill W. He had a great sense of humor and took pride in perfecting the art of expertly delivering a good joke. He finally retired at the age of 88 when he sold his final piece of equipment.

On November 26, 1951, Arnold married Ethel Mary (Scott) Hedke at Sacred Heart Church in Sabetha, Kansas. Together, they raised six children, Dennis (Wichita), Mike (Manhattan), Mary (Len) Eberwein (Olathe), Mark (Manhattan), Gary “Tom,” (Midland, TX) and Fran (Jim) Bard, (St. George). In addition, he was a proud and loving grandfather to 12 grandchildren: Reasha (Elijah) Hobbs, Jacob Hedke, Edward (Norah) Hedke, Kimberly (Derrick) Anderson, Mariah Charland, Alexander (Shelby) Hedke, Kellie (Alex) Sotelo, Loreth Hedke, Shawna Bard, Brennen Bard, Shane Bard and Spencer Bard; and 10 great grandchildren (Adaline, Micah and Samuel Hobbs, Joseph and Phoebe Hedke; Walter and Louisa Hedke; Isaac, Hannah and Eli Anderson; Baby Boy Sotelo (9/2025) and Baby Boy/Girl Hedke (late 2025).

Following Ethel’s death in 2005, Arnold was married to Betty (Crawford) Hedke, until her death in September 2019. He was also preceded in death by his daughters-in-law, Annette Hedke in 2015 and Rossy Pineda Hedke in 2024. He has spent the past five years enjoying the companionship, and later the compassionate caregiving, of Joan Falley. As someone who spent his entire life outdoors, he became involved in Joan’s favorite endeavor, the Wamego Community Garden. His helpful and giving nature of time fulfilled his last years with further accomplishment. Your project is now complete, Dad. Bucket down.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Irvin Parkview Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wamego Community Garden and left in the care of Irvin Parkview Funeral Home.