Robert Hedeen

ROBERT A. HEDEEN, 78 ROCKFORD - Robert A. Hedeen, 78, passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007, in Swedish-American Hospital surrounded by his three sons. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1928, an Eagle Scout, he received his Ph.D. in biology from the University of Texas in 1953. He subsequently enjoyed a distinguished career as a medical entomologist in the Army Medical Corps (retired captain 1960), manager of South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District in Chicago from 1960 to 1970 and professor of biology at Salisbury State University in Salisbury, Md., from 1970 until his retirement in 1993. He was the author of two books of popular science, "A Naturalist on the Nanticoke" and "The Oyster," as well as a long-running column in the Rock River Times. An avid sportsman, he was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. He married Margaret Leonard of Fort Worth in 1949 and had three children.In 1999, after 50 years of marriage, Margaret passed away in Salisbury, and Robert moved to Rockford where he enjoyed his last years continuing his studies, perfecting his golf swing and delighting his grandchildren. He is survived by sons, Robert (Victoria) of Clifton Park, N.Y., Michael (Norma) of Rockford and Scott (Carol) of Atlanta; grandchildren, Tyler, Cassidy, Andrew, Katrina, Monica and Hayley; great-grandchild, Niko; and special friend, Virginia Pearce of Baltimore, Md. Mass of Christian burial in St. Bridget Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, with visitation from 9 a.m. to time of service; Monsignor Mitchell will officiate. Interment in Rosehill Cemetery in Fort Worth, alongside his wife, Margaret. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Severson Dells, Rockford. Arrangements by Honquest Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 4311 N. Mulford Road. For online condolences, visit honquest fh.com.