Alton Hegvik

Alton Hegvik, 98, of Glenfield ND died February 15, 2021 in Apache Junction, AZ.

He was born to Ole and Alette (Winther) Hegvik on a farm near McHenry, ND on November 4, 1922.  After graduating high school, Alton followed his brothers into military service and entered the Army during WW2 serving in the 66th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 12th Armored Division.  He received the Combat Infantry Badge as well as the Purple Heart after being wounded in France. Alton attended Jamestown College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, where he met and married Janice McDonald on June 24, 1950. They raised their family of five children in Glenfield, ND where Alton was a high school math teacher and band instructor for 34 years.

Music from the big band era was always a part of his life. He was a talented musician playing the saxophone and clarinet throughout his life, first playing in the family group “Martha and her Boys”. In his later years he enjoyed playing with friends in “The Old Tyme Kings” band and many other groups while wintering in AZ.  Family gatherings always included a jam session with family and friends.

He and Janice had 54 beautiful years of marriage, until her death in 2004.

On July 8, 2010, Alton and Dorothy Gordon joined in a marriage union blessed by their church. They had 10 years together, happily traveling and entertaining family and friends. Alton is survived by Dorothy Gordon of Apache Junction, his children Richard (Patty) Hegvik of Carrington, ND; Donna Hegvik (Craig Anderson) of Avondale, CO; Alan (Mary) Hegvik, Glenfield, ND; Mark Hegvik of Roseau, MN; and Shari (Bruce) Schindler of Grand Forks ND. Also survived by 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janice, his grandson Shawn Alton Hegvik along with his parents and siblings Martha, Lasse, and John Hegvik.

Alton lived his faith by example. He was an honest and gentle soul and will be remembered for his great sense of humor and love of family.  He had many lifelong friends and Army buddies for whom he cared deeply. It was a source of great pride when his former students would stop in for a visit while he lived in Glenfield.  His love for music will follow for many generations to come.

A memorial service will be Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Glenfield Prairie Faith Church. 

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