Eldon Victor Hegstrom was born June 2, 1927 in St. James, Minnesota to Willard and Elrie (Berg) Hegstrom. He lived in St. James his entire childhood until he enlisted in the Navy and worked at the Pentagon during WW II. He graduated from Mankato State Teacher's College and taught vocal music at the junior and senior high school levels in Grand Rapids, MN; Madison, WI; Breckenridge, MN and Brainerd, MN for 35 years. He also directed church choirs and played the organ wherever he lived. In 1951 he married Mavis Peterson of Swanberg, MN. They had 5 children and were married 54 years. He was an avid bridge player. He loved to play the piano for family and friends. After Eldon retired, he and Mavis spent winters in Lakeland, FL. Then in 2003, they moved to Warm Beach Senior Community in Stanwood, WA. Eldon was preceded in death by his wife Mavis, his brother Werner and sister in-law Marian Hegstrom, and two sons-in-law: Mark Masoner and Neal Villhauer. He is survived by his children: Susan (Tom) Lind, Debbi Hegstrom (Scott Wright), Linda Hegstrom, Nancy Masoner and Eric Hegstrom; his grandchildren: Matt (Angelica), Ethan (Mariah) and Adam (Jie) Lind, Caitlyn Wright, Jeana and Kelsey Clampitt (Chelsea Hunt-Teachout), Amelia Villhauer, Molly Masoner (Cameron Cox), and Nicole and Evan Hegstrom; and his great-grandchildren: Elise and Wyatt Lind and Carter Cox. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 9 at 1:00 PM in the Beachwood Lounge at Warm Beach Senior Community in Stanwood. Burial will be in Swanberg, Minnesota, and an additional service will be held there in August of 2020