Obituary of Evelyn Lois Hedenquist

Evelyn Lois Hedenquist, age 87, formerly of Jackson, MN passed away peacefully at her home in Edina on May 26, 2018. Lois was born in Washburn, WI, on November 16, 1930 and attended a small country school before attending Washburn High School and graduating as class valedictorian in 1948. Proudly wearing the title of 'Fire Queen,' Lois represented Washburn at the 1948 St. Paul Winter Carnival. Majoring in bookkeeping and general secretarial, she graduated Duluth Business College in 1950 and enjoyed a career as a secretary and bookkeeper for many years. While attending college, Lois met the love of her life. She and Harold married on June 23, 1951 and were blessed with one another's love and support for 63 years. Following their marriage, they resided in Duluth where they raised four children: Jeff, Chris, Karen and Beth. In 1970, Lois and Harold moved their family to Jackson, where they owned and operated Hedenquist Motors for 30 years before retiring and moving to Edina in 1999 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Over the years, Lois and Harold spent their winters in Scottsdale and Sun Lakes, AZ, and traveled extensively, making many lasting friendships along the way. In recent years, Lois enjoyed gardening, volunteering at her church, working as a Byerly's 'Demo Darling,' hosting family and friends for meals and gatherings, and attending her grandchildren's activities. She was a loving and patient caregiver for Harold while he endured kidney dialysis for more than 5 years. Lois was a kind and faithful woman, loving wife, mother and Nana, thoughtful friend, and consummate hostess and cook, who was loved by all who knew her. Preceded in death by husband, Harold, parents, Paul and Lydia Enquist, and sister, Lorraine Lindahl. Survived by sons Jeffrey (Keiko) and Chris; daughters Karen (Craig) Scofield and Beth (Brian) Rahn; grandchildren Lauren (Brandon) Blixrud, Ellen & Elizabeth Scofield, Kathryn Hedenquist, Austin and Abby Rahn; great-grand-daughters, Berit and Evelyn Blixrud; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on July 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 6817 Antrim Rd, Edina, with visitation one hour prior. Private interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The family is grateful for the caring residents and staff at Vernon Terrace and The Willows in Edina. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or Calvary Lutheran Church (calvaryedina.org).