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Diane Margaret Hedman, age 85, of Baraga, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Diane was born on September 1, 1940, in Duluth, Minnesota, to William and Ann Marie (Haarstad) Parkila. She was raised in the L’Anse area and graduated from L’Anse High School with the Class of 1958. She continued her education at Suomi College, earning her Associate’s Degree in 1960. Diane worked shortly at Baraga County Memorial Hospital along with a long standing career in California.
On September 1, 1962, Diane married the love of her life, Robert Hedman. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to California, where Diane began a long and successful career with the City of Whittier. She served as a Processing Supervisor for 32 years before retiring. During their years in California, Diane and Robert made their home in Apple Valley beginning in 1998, while spending their summers in Baraga starting in 2000. In 2019, she returned permanently to Baraga, where Diane enjoyed being back among family, friends, and the community she loved.
Diane was a faithful member of the L’Anse United Methodist Church and was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She found great joy in sewing, needlework, and embroidery, creating countless handmade treasures for those she loved. Diane and Robert also shared a special love for their many dogs over the years, who were cherished members of their family.
Diane will be remembered for her kind heart, strong work ethic, quiet generosity, and the love she shared with her family and friends.
Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Hedman, and her parents, William and Ann Marie Parkila.
She is survived by her brother, William Parkila of L’Anse, Michigan; her sister, Pat (Jim Gammon) Jensen of Keweenaw Bay, Michigan; her special cousin, Ron (June) Parkila of Chassell, Michigan; her special friend, George Kauppila of Baraga, Michigan; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Preceding her in death are her parents, William and Ann Marie Parkila; husband Robert Hedman, sister-in-law Sandra Parkila.
A funeral service for Diane will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the L’Anse United Methodist Church with Rev. John Henry officiating. Visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the funeral service. Burial will take place at Pequaming Cemetery.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all those who offered care, compassion, and friendship to Diane throughout her life. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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