Arthur K Hedberg

Arthur K. Hedberg, Jr. of North Port, Fl., age 90, was called home by God on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at the Capri Center in Venice, Fl. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI. on November 17, 1934 to Arthur K. Hedberg, Sr and Ruby (Anderson) Hedberg who were full blooded Swedes. According to Art, he never had a headache and it was good to be a Swedish boy, ya! He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Karen Hedberg Bolema. He is survived by his wife of 35yrs Wilma Friel Hedberg of North Port, Fl., three beautiful daughters, Krista (Rob) Russell, grandsons Anders and Graham of Ga., Greta (Tim) Fox, grandsons, Gavin, Bennett, Davis and Sawyer of S.C, Elisa (Joe) Dupre, grandson Jed, granddaughters Molly and Edie of Ma. He was very proud of his daughters, their spouses and his grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother James Hedberg and wife Jacqueline of Md., his sister-in-law, Cynthia Perkins of Fl. And several step nieces and nephews. His favorite niece was Sara Friel whom he affectionately called Sarabelle and she graciously let him. He has left behind many good friends and will be joining some that went before! He will be greatly missed by us all. Art had his first career in education. After 2 years of teaching in Michigan, he and his brother Jim accepted teaching assignments with the Department of Defense (DOD) at Johnson Air Force Base in Japan. He quickly moved into administration, becoming a Principal at Johnson, Yamoto and Wagner High School in the Philippines. Wagner was located at Clark Air Force Base and was the largest American high school in the Far East. The school was in danger of losing its accreditation with the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Two years later, Wagner HS was fully accredited. Art moved back to the United States in 1966 and accepted a PHD fellowship at Stanford University. Upon completion, he then took a position as Superintendent of Warren, Rhode Island Public Schools. After his mother passed away in 1968, he returned to Michigan to be closer to his dad and became Superintendent of the Spring Lake School System. He finished his education career as Superintendent of the Kennebunk/Kennebunkport Regional Schools in Me. He was there for five years and made many improvements in the educational system, including creating classes for special needs children. He was the founder and first President of The Maine Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. After retirement, Art moved to New Hampshire and opened his own business. The Insurance Professionals/Hedberg Agency was successful for over 25 years. Art was an avid golfer and got two holes-in-one. He belonged to the Kasumigaski Country Club, the Number 1 course in Japan. He played in the 1987 Bank of Boston Classic Pro-am with Lee Trevino. He met his wife Wilma in 1989 at the Exeter Country Club and they were married that November. The first year they were married, they won the the 4th of July Husband and Wife Championship. Art sold his business in 2008 and he and Wilma moved to North Port permanently. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, April 2nd at 11am at Edgewater Church located at 19190 Cochran Blvd. Port Charlotte, Fl. where he was a member and attended church and Bible study for many years. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations in his memory to Edgewater Global Methodist Church, located at 19190 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte, Fl. 33948 or C.A.R.E (Center for Abuse & Rape Emergencies)P.O. Box 510234,Punta Gorda, Fl. 33951-0234.

Arthur K Hedberg

November 17, 1934 - January 12, 2025