Dorothy Ellen Hedberg, age 99 years, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2022, at home, in the presence of her daughter, Sara and son, Ken.

Dorothy was born in 1923 in Princeton, IL, to Gilbert and Ruth (Larson) Samuelson.  She grew up on a farm and attended a one-room school through the 8th grade.  Ever the fine student, she graduated from high school a year ahead of her peers, with the class of 1940.  She came to the Quad Cities during WWII to attend business school.  Dorothy married Howard G. Hedberg in June 1955 in Boone, IA.  They had two children, Ken (1956) and Sara (1958.)

During her working career she was employed as a secretary at Deere & Co., then at Augustana College.  While working there she took classes to further her own education, earning the equivalent of at least 2 years of college credits.  Dorothy later worked for Frank Foundries in Moline, retiring in 1990 as administrative assistant to the company's CEO.

She and her husband Howard enjoyed overseas travel, making several trips throughout Europe and Russia.  Later, Dorothy journeyed as far as Australia, at the age of 80.

A lifelong volunteer, she was involved for over 40 years with the Meals on Wheels program.  She was a regular reader to the blind with APRIS.  Dorothy was also a longtime volunteer at the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center.  Her enthusiasm and energy were truly remarkable.  Playing bridge was one of her favorite activities, and she always enjoyed the social aspect of the game.

She was strong-willed, opinionated, and direct.  You always knew just where you stood with her.

Dorothy attributed her longevity to her stout Swedish genes and strong Lutheran faith.  She was a charter member of St. James Lutheran Church in Rock Island and later joined First Lutheran Church in Moline.

Per her wishes, her body has been donated to medical science.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at First Lutheran Church, 1230 5th Avenue, Moline, IL.  Memorials may be made to the Moline Public Library.  Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Sara (Mark) Dopke; son, Ken Hedberg; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Luke (Courtney); nieces and nephews, Lauren (Terry) Lawrence, Jennifer Wambeke, Bryn (Courtney) Lawrence, Evan (Kelly) Lawrence, Kathy Samuelson, Cindy Carroll, and Brian Gittings; and sister-in-law, Sallie Jo Samuelson.  She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and siblings, Donna, Gil, Donald, and Delmar.

Dorothy's family would like to give a special thank you to: Pastor Daniel Witkowski of First Lutheran Church, nurse Carol Curry, and the wonderful hospice care nurses from Unity Point Hospice.  They were like angels to everyone with their care and compassion during this time!

Dorothy lived not just a good long life, but a long good life.  She will be dearly missed and forever loved.