Richard “Noel” George Hedrick passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, Calif. He was born to George and Frances (Berendes) Hedrick on March 19, 1931, on Summit Ridge, rural Norwalk, Wis. As he approached his 95th birthday this March 19th — a milestone he wasn’t especially enthusiastic about — Noel remained the incredibly kind and gentle man we all knew.
Uncle Noel was truly UNCLE Noel to so many. He had a rare gift for making every niece, nephew, and even a stranger on the street feel like the most important person in the world. Time spent with him always ended the same way — feeling seen, heard, and deeply loved.
Early in life, Noel felt a calling to the priesthood, which led him to the Capuchin Order of the Catholic Church. He was drawn to it by his deep desire to help others and to bring people peace. Many family members and friends were fortunate enough to have Noel officiate their marriages and baptisms. So many family members and friends were fortunate enough to be married by him. Years later, he chose to leave the priesthood, believing that his love for people extended further than the church. That calling never left him. He continued to devote his life to giving back, offering guidance, compassion, and comfort to those in need. He worked closely with friends and strangers who were dying from AIDS and supported families navigating profound grief.
He loved his large extended family, friends from around the world, all babies, and dogs of every breed. A favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews, and dearly loved by his nine siblings, he will be deeply missed. His memory and his peaceful kindness will live on.
Noel is survived by his sisters, Dorothy Warriner, Joan Sullivan, and Mary Hulleman; his sisters-in-law, Betty Hedrick, Carolette Hedrick, and Peg Hedrick; along with many very special cousins, other relatives and dear friends
Noel was preceded in death by his parents, George and Frances Hedrick; his siblings, Elaine (Fran) Nicol, Joseph Hedrick, Helen Hedrick Riley, Ron Hedrick, Paul Hedrick, and Carolyn (Pete) Flock; his in-laws, Ken Warriner, Dave Sullivan, Walt Riley, and Clayton Hulleman; and his nieces and nephews, Barb Peterson, Christina Logterman, James Hedrick, Chuck Warriner, and twins Mary and Richard Hedrick.
In accordance with Noel’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral. He simply wanted to come home — to the place where his life began and where his spirit felt most at peace. It was at Summit Ridge, surrounded by nature, beauty, cherished memories, and family, that Noel found his deepest spiritual connection. That land held his heart His cremains will be buried at St. John’s Cemetery on Summit Ridge, rural Norwalk, Wis.
Please take a moment to remember Uncle Noel, and then go hug a loved one, be kind to a stranger, smile at a baby, and pet a dog in his honor. We think he would like that.
