By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
5 Comments
  • Visitation

    Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018

    from 4:00 to 7:00 pm

    and Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

    from 10:00 to 11:00 am

    at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Grafton, IL

  • Service

    Memorial Service:

    Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018

    at 11:00 am

    at St. Patrick’s Church, Grafton, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    William R. “Bill” Hedger, 77, of Grafton, IL, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, at his residence with his family by his side.

    Bill was born Dec. 23, 1940, to George and Georgia (Nee Hartzell) Hedger in St. Louis, MO. On June 4, 1966 he married Suzanne Arnold at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Grafton, IL.

    Bill was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Grafton, IL. He was the youngest of 9 children.

    He enlisted in the Marine Corp after graduating high school, served his time and was honorably discharged. He enlisted in the Army and served 20 years, mostly in Artillery, and rose to the rank of Sergeant 1st Class before retiring at the age of 37. During his time in the Army he served in Vietnam and was awarded The Silver Star, a Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Award.

    He went to work for the Army Corp of Engineers and worked for 20 years as a Lock Master at the Alton Dam. He loved woodworking and was very good at it. He made several pieces of furniture for his grandchildren. Bill was known as the neighborhood maintenance man and really enjoyed cutting grass on his Kubota tractor. He loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

    Bill is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Suzanne Hedger, Grafton, IL; children, Deborah (Eric) Crownhart, O’Fallon, IL, Kimberly Voyles, O’Fallon, IL, Rob (Racquel) Hedger, Grafton, IL; grandchildren, Nicholas Boucher, Kayla (Daniel) Barnes, Mathew Crownhart, Tyler Voyles, Madalyn, Rylie and Tate Hedger; sister, Mary Fritz, Bourbon, MO; several nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Georgia Hedger; several brothers and sisters.

    Memorials may be made to American Heart Association.

    Visitation: Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Grafton, IL

    Memorial Service: Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, at 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Church, Grafton, IL.

    Clergy: Fr. Stephen Pohlman, Pastor.

    Interment: Scenic Hill Cemetery, Grafton, IL

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

5 Condolences
 
  1. Col Michael R. Morrow (Ret.) / December 16, 2018 at 8:46 am

    Dearest Suzie, our deepest condolences on the loss of your soul mate. Lynne and I will keep you and your family in our prayers.

  2. Steven J Boucher / December 16, 2018 at 9:27 am

    May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted by God’s grace

  3. Ed & Patty Anderson / December 16, 2018 at 9:50 pm

    You are in our thoughts & prayers.

  4. Gloria and Bob Schwarz / December 17, 2018 at 8:30 pm

    So sorry Sue for your loss. BOB AND I SEND OUR PRAYERS AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY. MAY BILL REST IN PEACE.

  5. PAUL KORNBERGER / December 19, 2018 at 8:37 am

    I worked with Bill out on the river in the Corps of Engineers navigation mission and he was one of our very best employees…..sure to be missed by all who knew him. my deepest sympathy to his family upon their loss.

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