John L Hedrick

John (Jack) Luther Hedrick, 83, of Emerson, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Heritage of Emerson Nursing Home in Emerson, Nebraska. John’s celebration of life services will be held next year on his Birthday, June 11, 2021 at the river. In recognition of his time in the Army, there will be a 21-gun salute. Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home of Pender, NE is in charge of the funeral arrangements. John was born June 11, 1937 in Corning, Missouri, to Ralph Hedrick and Marge (Swan) Hedrick. He graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1956. He enlisted in the Army, June 18, 1957. He proudly served in Korea, Japan, South Vietnam, and Germany from 1958-1965, working as a code breaker at one point. He was employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs from 1966 until retirement in 1992. In retirement, he spent his time between Decatur and a cabin on the Missouri River. His great loves were his cats; Cherry Pepsi and peanut M&M. John moved to Heritage of Emerson in 2015 and loved the time he spent there. He was especially fond of the staff and the food! He never married nor had any children. John is survived by his brother, Beattie Hedrick of Lincoln, NE; sister-in-law, Joyce Springer of Tarkio, MO, and Marge Hedrick of South Sioux City, NE; brother-in-law, James Huggenberger of Emerson, NE; many nieces and nephews; and very special caregiver and niece, Jaymi. John is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Marge Hedrick; brothers, William and Robert Hedrick; sister, Patricia Huggenberger; nephews, Mitch and Robert.