William 'Bill' Hedstrom, 85

William "Bill" Hedstrom, 85, passed away Friday, Dec. 30, 2005, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born Oct. 9, 1920, in Kalispell to William and Carrie (Nordtome) Hedstrom.

Bill received his early education in Kalispell where he loved playing football. He graduated from Flathead County High School in 1939 after which he worked at a Kalispell sawmill. In 1942 he entered the Army, serving in North Africa, Corsica, Italy, and France.

Upon Bill's return from military service, he married Eleanor Anna Landwehr in Missoula on Nov. 30, 1945. The couple started their family of five boys in Kalispell.

Bill loved his horses, Echo Lake, boating, stock car racing, spending time with his family at the cabin, and he loved to tinker.

In 1962, Bill went to work for the Anaconda Aluminum Co., retiring in 1981. After his retirement he enjoyed his family, going to the cabin and horseback riding.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Helen, Ruth and Clara.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, of Kalispell; five sons, Robin J. and wife, Judi, of Columbia Falls, William R. and wife, Marilyn, of Kalispell, R. Scott and wife, Judy, of Kalispell, Steven L and wife, Betty, of Raynesford, and John E. and wife, Cassie, of Bozeman; one brother, Ed Hedstrom, and wife, Hazel, of Great Falls; a sister, Minnie Westwood, of Seattle; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Bill will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Johnson Mortuary. Burial will be afterward at the Glacier Memorial Gardens.

The family suggests memorial gifts be given to St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 601 Sixth Ave. W., Kalispell, MT 59901; VFW Post 2262, 111 South Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901; or the local food pantry.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Bill's family.

This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.