Dr. Joseph Hegstad

  Dr Joseph M. Hegstad passed away at the Mayo Clinic Hospital, Scottsdale, AZ on May 20, 2017. He was born 2/16/1937 to the parents of Bjarne and Mabel Hegstad and raised in the Mayville/Hatton area. Joseph married Jacquelyn A Johnson on August 20,1966. They celebrated 50 years of marriage on August 20, 2016. After graduating from college with a degree in music, Joseph was selected to become a baritone soloist with the Singing Sergeants of the U.S. Air Force Band located in Washington D.C. He sang with this elite group of singers which often performed throughout the U.S., extensively in and around the D.C. area, including functions at the White House, and toured abroad as well. To sing a solo on the stage of Carnegie Hall in New York proved to be one of the highlights while singing with this outstanding group of musicians. Later Hegstad went on to earn advanced degrees in music in Colorado and graduated with a PhD in Musical Arts Vocal Performance from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dr. Hegstad joined the music staff at Minot State University in 1970, during his tenure Hegstad became chairman of the Division of Music, while also directing the MSU Concert Choir, Vagabond Male chorus, and the Jazz Madrigal Singers. With the N.D. Board of Higher Education, he established the Master of Music Degree at MSU. Participating in the International music scene Dr Hegstad entered into college choral competitions, resulting in five major European MSU concert choir tours, performing in the major cities of Europe. While at MSU Hegstad became a regular guest conductor of Choral Music Festivals not only in N.D., but regional as well, and often was sought out as a judge at Music Festivals. Trained as a classical singer, musical theater aficionado, and jazz singer, Joseph, performed regularly at local and regional events throughout his life. While at MSU, Hegstad founded the prestigious Heritage Singers, a semi-professional singing group consisting of local singers, MSU graduates, several former private students of “Dr. Joe”, a nickname fostered by MSU students, and singers from the local region of Minot. This group, several years acting as the ND Governor’s Chorus, tours in US and Europe. Dr Hegstad was instrumental in establishing other musical groups in Minot, such as the Minot Children’s Choir (through MSU summer programs for young people) Women’s Voices of Note and the Schumann Club Choral Choir (organized for a special club event) which later became the Minot Chamber Chorale. Always proud of his Scandinavian roots, Dr Hegstad was instrumental in the founding of the well-known Scandinavian festival knows as the Hostfest. In the first two years, he & his musical groups provided much of the musical entertainment and he maintained a “Performer’s Stage” presence each year. For many years, he also served as emcee for the popular America/Scandinavian Banquet of the Hostfest and was emcee for several stages shows. Joseph also developed a narrative and music for a musical presentation, “Anders Tellefson; Norwegian/American Immigrant”, for the International Sons of Norway convention held In Minot, ND. With his wife, Jackie, he served on the first Board of Directors for the Scandinavian Heritage Association and provided music for special ceremonies & events. For the past 15 plus years, Joseph and Jackie have resided in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr Hegstad operated a private voice studio, “Studio Voce`” providing singing lessons for both children and adults. Hegstad, active in the Rotary Club of Scottsdale, served as the club president from 2010-2011. Each year he organized the annual Scottsdale Rotary Club’s Christmas party and also continued his career of solo singing in and around Scottsdale. Dr. Hegstad is survived by his best friend and wife, Jacquelyn (Jackie), two sisters, Carol Domier, Portland, ND, Ardis (Don) Zimney, West Fargo, ND, and numerous nephews and nieces and grand nephews and nieces, brother-in-law, Art Grove and sister-in-law, Claire Johnson both of Grand Forks, ND.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Brenda (Dale) Enger. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, N.D. Visitation will continue from 1-2 p.m. followed by the funeral at 2p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Forks.