Joan Hedin

Joan Hedin, 89, of Carl Junction Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025.

Born on June 29, 1936, in Bridgeport, Nebraska, she was the daughter of James and Elsie May Haddix. Her father worked for the railroad, and her mother was a homemaker. Joan graduated from Bridgeport High School, where she first discovered her love for fashion design, often creating her own patterns and sewing her own clothing.

Joan met the love of her life, Bridgeport High star baseball pitcher Carl Clayton Hedin. The two were married on October 2, 1955, at the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church. Together they raised four children, sharing a life filled with family, creativity, and community.

A devoted wife and mother, Joan poured her energy into raising her family while also pursuing her own artistic interests. She began sewing children's clothing and later became an accomplished oil painter, capturing scenes of the Old West, snow-filled landscapes, and floral designs. Joan encouraged her children to explore the arts-whether in music, cooking, gardening, or painting-and always led by example with her own creativity.

Joan and Carl enjoyed many social activities together, including bowling leagues and square-dancing clubs. Joan took pride in sewing her own square-dance skirts, which became a signature part of her vibrant personality.

Outside of her home, Joan worked in a business teaching others how to build and frame artwork, and she later spent many years helping manage a women's fashion store alongside her best friend, Carol West.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Joe, Lulabelle, Mac, Oscar, Dick, and Don. She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 70 years, Carl Hedin; her sister, Alice Stanton; and her children, Larry Hedin and wife Chieko of Carl Junction, Missouri, Dan Hedin and wife Carolyn of Monrovia, Maryland, Carl Dean Hedin and husband John Wiecks, and Christa Denning and husband Jeff. Grandchildren: Chizuru Hootselle and husband Mark, Jeffrey Hedin, Megan Denning, and Clayton Hedin. Additionally, she is survived by great-grandchildren Izabella Curry and husband Jon, Lauren Burgess, Charlotte Hootselle and Jaxson Kress.

Joan will be remembered for her creativity, her love of family, and her generous spirit that encouraged all those around her to pursue their passions. She could also play a good game of Texas 42 Dominos!

To celebrate Joan's life and honor her memory, a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11:00am at the Simpson Funeral Home, located at 101 North Main Street, Carl Junction, Missouri, 64834. This will be followed by a Reception-Dinner at the same location at 12:00pm.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home of Carl Junction.