Solvejg Boline Hedlund

Solvejg 'Soli' (Egede) Hedlund

Solvejg (Egede) Hedlund, a Phoenix resident since 1969, died on January 23, 2026 at the age

of 93. Soli was the mother of four, grandmother of seven, great-grandmother of 12 and a long-

time kindergarten teacher in the Creighton School District.

Soli was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Bob, her brother Halvor Egede and her

parents, Hans and Ida Egede. She leaves her daughter, Christina, also of Phoenix; son Paul

(Sheryl) of Salina, KS; son Eric (Julie) of Scottsdale; and son Marty (Ellen) of Peoria.

Soli was born August 18, 1932 and raised on the family farm in Hampton, Iowa where she and

brother Halvor attended country school as youngsters. Speaking both Danish and English, Soli

was bilingual all her life and was an excellent student, scoring highest in the county on 8 th grade

exams and graduating second in her high school class. An accomplished pianist from an early

age, Soli played in church and was an accompanist for various singers through her college

years. Active in 4-H, she won ribbons at the Iowa State Fair as a teenager. Soli attended Grand

View College in Des Moines and became a teacher before marrying Bob and moving to

Northeast Ohio in 1953.

Soli taught school there for several years, then became a stay-at-home mom for her four

children. She and Bob were devoted and involved parents and community members, enjoying

16 happy years in Ohio. Soli learned to swim, became active with the YMCA and was involved

in church activities. As wife to the manager of the local newspaper, she had a busy and fun

social life.

In 1969 Soli, Bob and the kids relocated to Phoenix, embarking on new adventures. Soli's

particular favorite was returning to college at Arizona State University in 1974 where she earned

a Bachelor's Degree, teaching young children for the next twenty years at Larry C. Kennedy

School. Soli served with enthusiasm and distinction, including a long stint volunteering at

Kennedy School and All Saints Episcopal Day School after she retired. Soli also relished time

with her grandkids, taking them to plays, having overnights, and volunteering in their

classrooms.

Soli and Bob enjoyed travel and visited many places in the U.S., Europe and Scandinavia. Soli

had a lively and curious mind, and spent much time reading up on the places they were to visit.

In retirement Soli was active in the Danish Club and the SAGES group at All Saints Episcopal

Church. A big fan of socializing, Soli enjoyed get-togethers with family and friends, and attended

morning work-outs at her nearby fitness center. She and Bob also took yearly summer breaks at

their daughter's cabin in northern Arizona.

Soli's engaging smile, good humor and independent nature will be sorely missed. The family

wishes to sincerely thank the team at Infinity Hospice and at The Terraces of Phoenix for the

compassion and friendship given Soli over the years and most recently as she passed on at

peace. Memorial service takes place at All Saints Episcopal Church on February 6, 2026 at 10

AM, with commitment of remains in the All Saints Close. Burial arrangements handled by Best

Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Soli's name to the

Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation (alzheimersprevention.org).