Wanda L. Hedrick

Private Services were held for Wanda L. Hedrick, of Grafton, who passed away on March 29, 2014, at the age of 93 years. Wanda was born on March 25, 1921, in Dwight, IL, and was raised in Gibson City, IL, the daughter of the late Tracy and the late Altha Orr. She graduated from Drummer High School in 1939, and earned a bachelor’s degree in music, at Illinois Wesleyan, in 1943. A month later, she married Wesleyan classmate, Ray Dixon “Dick” Hedrick, to whom she remained married for over 70 years. After WWII, she and her growing family lived in Paducah, KY, Crawfordsville, IN, Chicago, IL, then on to Waukegan, IL, where she and Dick started Hedrick Dollar Store. Their business grew so fast that they moved to a larger location in Waukegan. In 1961, Dick and Wanda, along with their three boys, moved to Grafton, WI, and opened a Ben Franklin Store in the Twin City Plaza. Soon after, Wanda along with Mel Olds and Jim McMullen, had a meeting at the Grafton Hotel and organized the Grafton Chamber of Commerce. A year later, Wanda initiated the Grafton Outstanding Citizens Award and co-founded the Christmas Parade. Wanda was an accomplished pianist, and also taught piano, in Grafton, for over 20 years. She enjoyed playing bridge, playing in several clubs and forming many lasting friendships. Wanda also enjoyed traveling, visiting many parts of the world including extensive travel in Mexico. After Wanda and Dick’s retirement in 1987, the store was sold and became Banner Crafts. She is survived by her husband, Dick Hedrick, sons, David (Linnea) Hedrick of Tucson, AZ, Kim (Joanne Jeray) Hedrick of Port Washington, and Mark Hedrick of Grafton; and granddaughter, Chris of Waukesha. She is further survived by other relatives and friends. To those who were fortunate enough to know her, she will be deeply missed.