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Obituaries

Obituary: Leonard Edward Hedrick

Beloved dad and grandpa with a zest for life passes away at 65.

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Leonard Edward Hedrick

Leonard Edward Hedrick, a lifelong resident of Joliet, Illinois, passed away on October 25, 2025, at the age of 65. Born in Joliet on December 2, 1959, Leonard was the son of Russell and Alice Hedrick.

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Leonard attended Joliet Township High School and furthered his education at Joliet Junior College. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. A dedicated employee, he spent the last 11 years working at S&S Activewear, where he was known not only for his strong work ethic but also for his approachable and friendly nature.

Leonard was a lover of music, both as a fan and a participant. He especially enjoyed live concerts and took great pleasure in playing the drums. Leonard’s zest for life extended to the outdoors, where he cherished time spent with friends at cookouts. His passions also included race cars and wrestling, hobbies that reflected his adventurous spirit and boundless energy.

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Leonard is survived by his two daughters, Christina Hedrick and Amanda Hedrick; his grandchildren, Jeremy McKnight and Alexis Rogers, and five great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his father, Russell (Mary) Hedrick; and his siblings, Holley Maitland, Dodie (Bill) Porter, Cliff (Kara) Hedrick, Richard (Lisa) Horwath, Kerry Horwath, Pam (Ken) Hasty, and Steve Partain. Leonard’s extended family includes numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember him with great fondness.

He is preceded in death by his mother; a beloved grandson, Anthony Rardin; and his grandparents, Leonard and Louise Hedrick.

A Memorial Gathering for Leonard Edward Hedrick will be held on Thursday, October, 30, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 3:00 p.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. Interment will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Wounded Warriors Project.

For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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