Robert Henry Hedlund

Robert’s life was defined by hard work, service, and a deep love for family, community, and the open road. Born on February 8, 1946, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, he was the youngest of ten children. Growing up in the country, Robert learned early the value of responsibility and dedication. He was active in 4-H and spent his youth working on the Danielson farms—experiences that shaped his character and his lifelong fondness for machinery and the outdoors.

He graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1964. He continued his education at Moorhead Tech, where he earned a certificate in Mechanics—skills that would shape much of his working life.

Shortly after vocational school, Robert was drafted into the United States Army. He served honorably for over three years, stationed in Germany, where he developed a sense of discipline and pride that stayed with him throughout his life.

Upon returning home, Robert began working for Conoco Oil in Minnesota as both a mechanic and station manager. In 1968, he married and soon welcomed his daughter, Kristin. His work with Conoco moved the family to Brooklyn Park, where he attended management training, and later to Bismarck, North Dakota, where he helped establish new company convenience stores. In 1972, his career brought him to Rochester, Minnesota, where his son John was born.

That same year, Robert discovered a passion that would follow him for decades—the open road. He began driving moving vans for Atlas Van Lines, traveling coast to coast. In 1974, he returned to Detroit Lakes to drive truck for his brother-in-law, a move that allowed him to come home once again. He and his family built a house on Little Floyd Lake, and before long, he purchased his own truck and leased it to International Transport. His work took him across the United States, and truck driving became not just a job, but a way of life.

Robert and his wife divorced in 1983, beginning a new chapter marked by resilience and change.

Robert later built his second home on Middle Floyd Lake, where he lived until his passing. His property was a reflection of his passions: garages filled with old cars and tractors he lovingly bought, fixed and restored. His passion for classic machinery also led him to become an active member of the Lakes Car Club, where he enjoyed local shows, parades, and gatherings with fellow enthusiasts.

After many years on the road, he shifted careers and became a licensed Realtor in Detroit Lakes with the Century 21 office. He enjoyed the people he worked with and the many cribbage games that filled slow afternoons. But eventually, the call of the highway returned. He joined Butler Machinery in Fargo, hauling massive Caterpillar equipment across the country. It was a job he took great pride in—one that gave him countless stories and a renewed sense of purpose. It was a job he truly loved.

He cherished deer hunting season, time spent outdoors, and moments shared with his extended family and friends. A faithful member of Lund Lutheran Church, Robert gave freely of his time and talents. He served on the endowment committee, assisted as a communion deacon, and later surprised many—perhaps even himself—by taking up quilting with the Lund Quilting Club, a hobby he embraced with enthusiasm and good humor.

Robert will be remembered for his stories, his strong work ethic, his love of engines, and the generosity he extended to his community. His presence will be missed by family, friends, and all who shared a stretch of life’s road with him.

He is survived by his daughter Kristin (Cory) Kacer; his beloved grandchildren: James (Katie) Kacer, Nathanial Kacer, and great grandson Kalvin Kacer; brother Jim Hedlund; sisters Marlys Young and Marcy (Milt) Erickson; sister-in-law Norma Hedlund; and many nieces and nephews.

Proceeded in Death by parents Henry and Hazel Hedlund; brothers Wally and Clarence Hedlund; sisters Rose Evans, Gladys Larson and Virginia Kiehl; as well as several in-laws, nieces and nephews. And we can be assured he had a great reunion with his son John.

Memorials are preferred to Lund Lutheran Church of Detroit Lakes.