Tomy Dennis Hegland

About Tomy

Tomy Dennis Hegland died peacefully in his sleep at home on Sunday, April 14. He was born on March 13, 1946 in Bemidji, Minnesota to Tom and Mary (Zaretsky) Hegland. He grew up on Grace Lake while attending Sunnyside School through the eighth grade and graduating from Bemidji High School in 1964.

He met his wife, Carolyn, in the fall of 1964 and they married on September 2, 1967.

Tomy was employed at Gill Brothers Clothing, General Products and Don's Tires before starting his career with Realty Sales. Soon he purchased Realty Sales, along with Mr. Don's (a.k.a. The Hair House), located on Main Street in Cass Lake and relocated his office there. Later, he opened another office in Bemidji selling primarily resorts and commercial properties.

Towards the end of his career, he purchased Grimes Realty which focused on residential home sales. He valued and cared for all his employees throughout his career and truly felt they were an extension of his family.

His love for music and the outdoors started at a very young age. He was a member of several bands, but he is most remembered as the lead singer for the Shades of Soul. Over the years he sang at numerous weddings and funerals of friends and family and enjoyed reuniting with band members and their families every few years. When he wasn't singing, you would probably find him out in the woods hunting, in Canada fishing, or in the old Lund or pontoon fishing on Grace.

Tomy was a member of Aardahl Lutheran Church his whole life. Two of his most memorable experiences were visiting Aardahl's sister church in Madagascar. He never forgot the wonderful people, the beauty of the island and the inspiration he received worshiping with them. Of course, fishing was a bonus!

He was active in his communities as a member of both the Cass Lake and Bemidji Chamber of Commerce. He was also one of the founding members of the Bemidji Eagles Club and was their first president.

In recent years, Tomy and Carolyn purchased a home in North Port, Florida and spent their winters there.

In between card games and cribbage, they would host visitors from Minnesota and elsewhere, and became close friends with several neighbors in their new community.

Tomy and Carolyn lived on Grace Lake most of their lives. They not only raised their two daughters, Nikki and Jennifer, but opened their home and hearts to family members and special friends in times of need or to simply enjoy time together. Tomy will be remembered as someone who cared deeply for the people he surrounded himself with and would lend a helping hand whenever needed. His handshake was better than a contract and he led his life with honesty and loyalty. He could always bring a smile and never met a stranger.

Tomy is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Hoppes) Hegland; daughter Nikki (David) Nordmeier of Elk River, Minnesota, daughter Jennifer Cole of Mounds View, Minnesota, and son-in-law Jeremy Cole of Fridley, Minnesota; four grandchildren: Anna and Chet Nordmeier, and Trenton and Kaiser Cole; his sister Marlene Moore of Bemidji; a special cousin Gwen Young and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Mary Hegland; brother Orville Hegland; and sister Noreen Kohut.

memorial service

Memorial Service for Tomy

April 26, 2024

Aardahl Lutheran Church 2920 Van Buren Ave SE, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 at the Cease Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date at the Aardahl Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home