Robert Hegland

Robert Hegland, age 89, of McIntosh, MN, passed away on Saturday, February 28th, at McIntosh Senior Living. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6th, at Trinity Free Lutheran Church, rural McIntosh, with the Rev. Jerry Moan officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Air Force Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of McIntosh and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Robert Alfred Hegland was born on June 12, 1936, in rural McIntosh, Minnesota to parents Alfred and Edith (Frisk) Hegland. As their only child, Robert was truly the light of their lives. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. He attended Hillside Country School through the eighth grade and graduated from McIntosh High School in 1954. After high school, he went to Montana and worked as a farm hand. Upon his return, he enlisted in the Air National Guard, taking his basic training in San Antonio, Texas.

Robert was united in marriage to Sharon Joyce Nordin on December 22, 1966, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in McIntosh by Reverend Carl Holm and Rev. Art Grimstad. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, friendship, and community.

Robert worked for Russell Johnson at the McIntosh Creamery and then managed the Erskine Creamery for 16 years. He later worked for the State of Minnesota as a dairy inspector followed by Land O’ Lakes until his retirement in 1998. In May of 2023, he moved to McIntosh Senior Living.

Community involvement was important to Robert. He faithfully served as treasurer at Trinity Lutheran Church, was a member of the Pioneer Nursing Home Board, and served on the Lessor Township Board. He believed in doing his part and supporting the place he was proud to call home.

Robert liked working with metal, especially engines and anything mechanical. If it had a motor, he could fix it or at least tell you how it should have been built in the first place. He held strong and unwavering opinions when it came to vehicles. In Robert’s view, Dodge, Chrysler, and Plymouth were the only automobiles worth driving, and he would not have been caught behind the wheel of anything else. The same conviction applied to tractors. They had to be red, never green. International Harvester and Farmall were the standard, and that was that.

He enjoyed traveling, listening to country and gospel music, Norwegian Christmas treats such as lefse, flatbrod, krumkake, and fruit breads, and visiting with friends over a cup of coffee. After retirement, he never missed a “Roll Friday” at Landsverk Dairy Farm. Each Friday was dedicated to shooting the breeze, sharing stories, and solving all the world’s problems, at least until the next week.

Robert and Sharon treasured time with their lifelong friends. For over 55 years, they took turns hosting New Year’s Eve house parties with Arlene and Wayne Gustafson, Don and Janice Landsverk, and Walt and Leona Pederson. In later years, Bill and Marjetta Hadler joined the tradition. These gatherings were filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of friendship that stands the test of time.

Robert had a special love for dogs. Over the years, he and Sharon shared their home with six beloved wiener dogs who held a very special place in their hearts. Whether traveling the country or relaxing at home, Robert found joy in simple pleasures and in the company of those he loved.

Robert passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at McIntosh Senior Living at the age of 89 years.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Sharon, of McIntosh; and cousins, Karen Hegland Hagen, Candace (Steve) Haaven, and Gary (Ginny) Frisk.

He was preceded in death by his parents.