Edward Hedlin

Edward (Ed) Hedlin was born February 5, 1934 on a farm near Watrous, SK. He was the youngest in a family of six children with four brothers and one sister. In his words he described his early years as “a good place to live, lots of room to wander and explore along with our dog. There were responsibilities, so along with countless prairie children I experienced the entry level jobs of collecting eggs and keeping the kitchen wood box supplied.” Ed always spoke fondly of growing up on the farm with his family.

Ed attended a one-room school for grades 1 to 9 followed by two years at the two-room school in nearby Renown. He then attended Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute (LCBI) for his grade 12. His training years took him to Saskatoon for university followed by Lutheran Seminary. Again in his words he described this time in his life this way: “It was not all books and so I had the good fortune to meet Audrey Torgunrud who made the trek from Midale SK to enroll in St. Paul's School of Nursing. 1957 was a banner year. I graduated from the Seminary, located in Chaplin SK, where I took up ministry centered in five rather scattered communities and before the year was out Audrey and I were married.”

Ed’s ministry, with Audrey’s support, spanned more than 42 years taking them to several locations including Chaplin SK, graduate school in Chicago, Port Arthur, ON, Bible Dean at LCBI, Torquay, SK and lastly serving in Swift Current SK for 19 years before he retired from full time service. As we all know a pastor never really retires as he continued his ministry with several years of pulpit supply.

Ed & Audrey in their more than 67 years of marriage raised a family of six children: Karen Hedlin, Kathryn Scott, Beth Hendricksen (Dennis), Janet Hirch (David), Mark Hedlin (Heather) and Gina Haberstock (Corey). Audrey, with Ed’s support, also served by caring for twenty-five children over many years as foster parents, including Corey Wizniuk who stayed as part of the family from the age of seven years on. The family continues to expand exponentially with 19 grandchildren and to date 12 great grandchildren, each of them loved and cherished by Ed and Audrey.

In retirement, Audrey and Ed spent the first years in their house in the Broadway area appreciating closer proximity to family for coffee gatherings and reunions. They made many trips to the cabin at Christopher Lake spending time with family. They enjoyed walks and gardening and in some cases traveling the world with trips to Africa, Sweden and Taiwan. They relished the time they spent with their many grandchildren and later great grandchildren. While residing in Saskatoon they enjoyed the fellowship of Augustana and Trinity Lutheran churches and the warmth of the community at Luther Heights.

Before Audrey’s passing in early 2025 they were an inseparable couple. There were many wonderful years of family, food and laughter at Luther Heights and the cabin. Ed was well known for his patience and caring with parishioners and family. He was known for simply listening and taking the time to provide sage advice. He was a mentor to many clergy and an inspiration of kindness and solid faith in our Lord.

Ed, after a short stay at the Royal University Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital, passed away on January 1, 2026. The family greatly appreciates the kindness and attention he received from the wonderful medical staff and the many visits and prayers of friends and extended family.

Even in his final days Ed took the time to say thank you to staff that attended to his medical needs. He was surrounded by his family in his last hours and conveyed his love for his family in words when he could, and by the squeeze of his hand. He, armed with the knowledge of assured salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ, told his family that he was ready to go “home” to heaven joining his beloved Audrey.

Ed is predeceased by his parents Margery and Frans Hedlin, siblings Alan (Isabel), Robert (Alice), Hugh (Vi), Charles (Phyllis) as well as in-laws Edwin and Anna, Odelite (Elwin), Eugene (Corrine), Duane, Olive (Russel), Ted, Carolyn.

Ed is survived by his sister Anne Hedlin, in-laws Irene Hedlin, Elwood (Irma) Torgunrud, Connie (Obert) Friggstad, Doreen Torgunrud, Rick (Sharon) Johnson, Carrie Torgunrud and by many nieces and nephews.

For those who wish to honor Ed’s memory they can make a donation to the Canadian Lutheran World Relief or pass on an act of kindness to help another with whom we share the road of life.