Dennis Laird Hedlund

Dennis Laird Hedlund passed away peacefully at his home in Urbandale, Iowa on Saturday, March 26th, 2016 while surrounded by his family. Dennis was born on September 23, 1949 to Melvin and Vonda (Laird) Hedlund of Clarissa, MN. He grew up on the family farm in Clarissa and graduated from Clarissa High School in 1967. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College, where he met his wife Paula. After graduating in 1971 with degrees in mathematics and education, he joined the United States Air Force, serving for four years and rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Upon being honorably discharged, Dennis taught mathematics for several years at Mechanicsville High School in Mechanicsville, Iowa, and coached football, softball, and basketball. Dennis left teaching in the late 1970s and entered the corporate world. Over the next several decades, he worked in a variety of corporate roles, combining his mathematical ability with business acumen, and culminating in a position as Executive Vice President at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Dennis left Wells Fargo in 2000 to start his own consulting business, The iEmergent Group. The business Dennis founded continues in his absence under his childrens management. Dennis enjoyed working outside, particularly on his John Deere tractor. He was an avid reader, music lover, and sailing enthusiast. Dennis especially loved playing, coaching, and watching basketball. Dennis is survived by his wife, Paula (Sautter) Hedlund; daughter Laird (Bernard) Nossuli of Urbandale, Iowa and daughter Rachel (David Osipovich) Hedlund of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; sister Joan (Carl) Lundell of Granite Falls, Minnesota, brother Jon (Nancy) Hedlund of Albert Lea, Minnesota, sister Alice Hedlund of West Des Moines, Iowa, and sister Susan (Brian Peterson) Hedlund of Stillwater, Minnesota; brothers-in-law Robert (Holly) Sautter of Rockford, Illinois and James (Jennifer) Sautter of Blue Grass, Iowa; two grandchildren; nine nieces and nephews; and thirteen grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Vonda. Services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, March 31st at St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Des Moines, Iowa, with visitation to be held one hour prior to the service. Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home of Urbandale will be handling arrangements for West Des Moines services. Interment will be on Saturday, April 2nd in Clarissa, Minnesota. Iten Funeral Home of Browerville, Minnesota will be handling arrangements for Clarissa services. Memorials can be made to Hospice of Central Iowa or Life Source (www.life-source.org).