Jerry Richard Hegdahl, 80, passed away in the early hours of June 8th, 2024 at the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville, TN with his wife of 60 years, Barbara Joan (Tallon) by his side.   He was born on June 27, 1943 in Westhope, ND to Richard and Gladys (Neilson) Hegdahl. He grew up in Bottineau, ND and was a 1961 graduate of Bottineau High School

Jerry then served four years in the US Air Force stationed mostly in the Western Pacific.   He married  Barbara on June 27, 1964 in Souris, ND and they spent their first year of marriage in Orlando, Florida where he was last stationed .  After moving back to North Dakota, he attended Minot State University where he earned a degree in Economics.

After college, his career began with the Burlington Santa Fe Railroad.  Various positions took them to many places including locations in Illinois,  Minnesota and finally to Fort Worth Texas where they lived for 22 years.  After leaving the railroad, he was employed by several high tech companies in the Dallas area.

Upon his retirement in 2006,  he and Barbara moved back to Bottineau  where they had a small farm in the  ND Turtle Mountains and loved country living.   Deciding ND winters were not for them, they moved to Billings, MT.   After several years, they looked for a way to be closer to siblings and warmer weather.  Both were found in Tennesse where  they settled in Fairfield Glade, Crossville, TN in 2020 and remained until his death.

Jerry loved life and laughter and never met a stranger.   He had a curiosity that led to many hobbies, including Ham Radio,  cross country skiing, sailing/boating, photography and RVing .   Their love of RVing took them to many destinations across the country and allowed them to grow their collection of beautiful  photography.  Their love for music, especially Country/ Western, included playing the guitar and ukulele.  This year they also took up the lap steel guitar.  He was happiest when he shared adventures and the joy of learning new things with Barbara.

He was an active member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church where in the past, he served as an Elder and church photographer.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father and mother;  father-in-law, Marshall Tallon;  brother-in-law, Frank Tallon and nephew,  Jason Tallon.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Barbara Tallon Hegdahl;  two sisters, Marlyce (Mike) Wilkerson of Senoia GA; LaDonna (Ron) Carlile of Fairfield Glade, TN  mother-in-law, Betsy Tallon, of Bottineau, ND and two sister-in-laws, Marjorie Krahn (Lee Kerstner) of Wausau, WI ; Lynn Tallon (Jerry O'Neil) of Oconomowoc, WI and five nephews; Todd Dove; Jim (Erin) Powell; Jon (Rebecca) Tallon; Jim (Beth) Tallon; and Angela (Jason) Tallon, and several great nieces and nephews

Memorial Services will be held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Bottineau, ND on July 13th at 2:00 p.m.  Burial will be in Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau.