Carter B. Hedlund

A Celebration of Life Gathering in his memory will be held at the Malung Community Center on Friday, May 2nd, from 5-8 p.m.
A Homegoing Celebration for Carter Hedlund will be at the Lighthouse Church in Roseau, MN Saturday, May 3rd at 2 p.m.

Carter Blaine Hedlund, born on January 8th, 1947, in Roseau, MN, to Leonard and Lorraine (Reed) Hedlund, passed away peacefully at home after battling Parkinson's disease and cancer. He grew up in Malung and attended Malung School through 8th grade. He graduated from Roseau High School with the class of 1965, and was crowned Homecoming King. He went on to the North Dakota State School of Forestry in Bottineau, North Dakota, where he received an associate degree in wildlife management. He also helped form a hockey team in Bottineau alongside a group of Roseau boys. It was during this time that he met his future bride, Wanda (Thompson), who was the younger sister of Bobby, a friend/teammate on the hockey team. They were married on September 21st, 1968 in Roseau.
Early in their marriage, Carter and Wanda lived in several places, including Omaha, NE; Logan, Utah; and Missoula, Montana, before returning to Malung to raise their family. He farmed with his brother Doug, milking cows and raising turkeys for many years. He finished his career as a skilled welder at Polaris Industries.
After hearing the Gospel message at an evangelistic meeting in 1979, he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and was dramatically changed. He helped start a summer ministry called the Nite-Lite, an outdoor Christian movie theater that brought the community together to enjoy faith-based films under the stars. His dedication to this ministry touched the lives of many, providing a place for spiritual growth and community connection. Additionally, Carter was actively involved in youth gatherings called 5th Quarter, which were held after Friday night football games. These gatherings provided an environment for young people to socialize, share their faith, and build lasting friendships. He was also instrumental in helping launch the Roseau Christian School. Carter's commitment to the youth of his community was a testament to his love and concern for the next generation.
One of the highlights of Carter and Wanda’s marriage was a memorable trip to Israel to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Joined by their best friends, Marty and Barb Johnson, this journey was a profound experience that deepened their bond and faith.
In his earlier years, Carter was a talented fast pitch softball pitcher in Missoula and Roseau. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and lifelong friends, doing yard work, and scouting with Wanda for blueberries and mushrooms in Beltrami State Forest. Carter loved spending time on Lake Metigoshe in North Dakota, where he cherished sunset pontoon rides, fishing, and creating memories with family and friends.  He was gifted musically, and his love for music was instilled in him at a very young age.  He enjoyed listening to many types of music.
Immanuel Baptist Church in Malung has been Carter and Wanda’s church home and place of worship for many years.
Carter will always be remembered for his amazing patience and kindness, and as a loving, godly husband, father, papa, great grandpa, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend. He was a man of prayer, faithful friend and devoted servant of God, always ready to lend a helping hand and offer a word of encouragement. His faith in Christ and love for Him was the cornerstone of his life, guiding his actions and inspiring those around him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Wanda; 3 children, Jamie (Joel) Anderson, Solway, MN; Jeremy (Tara) Hedlund, Kansas City, KS; Chad (Nicole) Hedlund, Maple Lake, MN; 18 grandchildren, Jaden (Tahnee) Anderson, Julia (Josh) Parsons, Gabriel (Vania) Anderson, Grace (Roderick) Murphy, Angelé (Daryle) Mindeman, Abram, Mareah, Malachi, Caleb, Hudson, Levi, Marcus, Ashlyn Anderson; Kayla (Isaac) White, Blaine (Julia) Hedlund, Brian (Sara) Hedlund; Noah and Myah Hedlund; 9 great-grandchildren, and 3 more expected before the end of the year; siblings Douglas (Linda) Hedlund, Gwen( Mike) Bonnema, Dean Hedlund, and several nieces and nephews.
Carter was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Lorraine (Reed) Hedlund, and a nephew, Jonathon Bonnema.
He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his warmth, and his unwavering commitment to Christ, his family and community, which were evident in everything he did.

To God be all the glory!

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