Herbert J. Hedstrom died on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 at Sunset Nursing Home, Concordia, KS at the age of 79. Memorial services will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 at The Baptist Church, Concordia with the Rev. David Fabarez officiating. Burial will be at the Ada Lutheran Church Cemetery near Courtland, KS. Friends may sign the register book from 9 AM to 9 PM with the family receiving friends from 6-8 PM on Thurs., Sept. 24, 2009 at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Salina Mission, Teens for Christ or The Baptist Church, Concordia.

Herbert was born on June 26, 1930 on the family farm near Courtland, KS to Ephriam J. and Agnes M (Sundgren) Hedstrom. He was educated in Courtland, KS and Bethany College in Lindsborg. Herb joined the US Air Force in 1950 as an armorer on a fighter squadron in Biloxi, MS, San Antonio, TX, Denver, CO & Bitburg, Germany. He was discharged in 1953. Herb was a life member of VFW Post #588.

Herb was active in serving his community as a Co-Op Board member, Courtland School Board and loved farming and his cattle. He was instrumental in getting KROA Christian Radio into this area. Herb served as a council member at Ada Lutheran Church and as a deacon and an elder at The Baptist Church, Concordia. He enjoyed music and participated in quartets, solos, choir and barbershop, he also sang in the Messiah production at Lindsborg.

Herb was united in marriage to Erna Issac in 1971. They adopted two children, Bruce & Regina. Erna preceded Herb on April 8, 2002. He then married Phyllis Cottingham in May 2005. Herb is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Bruce of Salina & grandson, J.D. Parks, Concordia; sister, Ruth and sister in law Joyce Hedstrom, both of Courtland, KS and Viola of Belleville, KS; plus several nieces and nephews who are very special to Herb.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Erna; daughter Regina in 1999 & two brothers, Harold in 2007 & Eugene in 2008.