Robert Wedin

Robert E. Wedin, 77, of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 in Altru Hospital after suffering a massive heart attack. Robert was born September 11, 1933 in Chicago, IL to John and Ida Wedin. He graduated from Central High School and attended UND. He married Phyllis Iverson in May 1953. Bob served in the US Army at Ft. Lewis, WA. Upon returning, he worked for the Great Northern Railroad for several years. In 1957 he went to Moler Barber College in Fargo. After graduation he worked for 2 local barber shops before opening B & R Barber Shop on 2nd Avenue North. Bob served for 9 years on the Grand Forks school board beginning in 1961. In 1970 he was elected to the City Council where he served for 8 years, and also ran for mayor in 1980. Bob had a great career in cutting hair. In 1974 he was named North Dakota's Barber of the Year. He started the Cost Cutters franchise in Grand Forks and Winnipeg in the early 1980's. In 1983 he was appointed to the State Barbers Board by Gov. Allen Olson. Bob held a Master Barbers license, Master Wigmaker license, Instructors license and a Cosmetology license which led him to present at hair shows nationally and internationally. He was a respected member of Augustana Lutheran Church and served on the Church Council. Bob was very active at the YMCA and loved meeting with the morning coffee group. He was also involved in other community groups and was served on the GF Apartment Assn. Bob was well known for his wit, sense of humor and ability to talk. Bob is survived by his wife, Phyllis, daughters Diane (Steve) Swanson, Suzanne Wedin, and sons Robert J. Wedin, Mark Wedin all of Grand Forks, and Billy (Debbie) Wedin of Oklahoma City, OK, 10 grandsons: D.J., Christopher and Bobby Greenberg, Brent, Michael and Casey Wedin, Tyler and Sam Wedin, Matthew Swanson, and Jonathan Wedin, 2 granddaughters: Heidi Christianson and Katie Swanson, and 9 great-grandchildren, sisters Judy (Stan) Barta, Michigan, ND, and Joanne (Bob) Eason, Osakis, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Ida Wedin, sister Sandra Kuepers, and great grandsons Tyler and Gunner Christianson. Funeral Service: 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 13 at Augustana Lutheran Church, 520 University Avenue, Grand Forks. Visitation: 6:00-8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, November 12 at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks and one hour prior to the funeral service in church. Interment: Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks