John E. "Red" Heglund

John E. “Red” Heglund, 80, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. He was born in Gamla Karleby, Finland March 27, 1945 to Eric and Ruth (Hastabacka) Ravinen and baptized in the church of Nedervetil Finland. His father went to war and never returned home. In 1950, at the age of 5, John travelled with his mother to the United States. They settled on a farm in Ashland, Wisconsin where Ruth met and married Ernest Heglund who adopted John as his own son.

As John grew, so did their family. First came his “favorite” sister Linda, then his “favorite” sister Sonya, and finally his brother Luke. They attended Saron Lutheran Church where he was confirmed in his faith in 1960. Red LOVED sports. During high school years he competed in basketball, wrestling, track and football. His senior year he was awarded the McGuire Trophy in football and a place on the Homecoming Court. He was blessed with lifelong friendships with Frog, Big D, Soup, Dave and Dan. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1963.

After one year of college, he moved to Grafton where, in 1966, he began his 45 year career at Ataco Steel. He worked hard, provided for his family, learned all he could and earned awards in the field of metal fabrication.

In the early years, he and the guys would frequent a restaurant where he met his “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch” Judy Rydz, and they married in 1968. They had so much fun and loved spending time together traveling, bowling, golfing and playing cards with other couples. But they also really wanted a family. In 1975, they were blessed with their first and only child, Heidi. As she grew they all embraced more adventures, celebrations and challenges. And when Judy began the years’ long battle with physical and mental health issues, Red continued to support his girls completely. Too young and too early, Judy went home to be with the Lord in 2009.

God answered John and Judy’s prayers for a family by eventually giving him four grandchildren. “Grandpa Red” was so proud and loved them fiercely! He coached, cared for, gave advice and supported Allie, Anthony, Gabe and Ovra in life, sports, music and academics. And his time, love and positive impact overflowed to extended family and friends who referred to him as “Uncle Red.”

He continued his love of sports by faithfully watching and cheering for the Packers, the Brewers, the Bucks, and any other Wisconsin team he could watch. He even “coached” from his recliner chair in front of the television! And then in his golden years, the Lord gave him a second chance in love, fun times and adventure! While playing Bingo he met his “sweetheart” Laurie, and together they enjoyed Bingo and Yahtzee game nights at home, holidays and events out with each other’s families and grandchildren for more than 10 years.

With various medical issues and the decline of his health, he lived the last couple years of life with his daughter and son-in-law (Heidi and Ian), where he got to spend even more time with them and his grandchildren. The Lord gave them many great memories during this difficult season, and provided the support they all needed from close friends, church family, hospice nurses and medical staff.

Those who knew Red during his lifetime would say he found joy in simple things, and was always willing to offer a helping hand, a listening ear, and an encouraging word. One of the quotes from his high school yearbook: “Just the quiet kind…a friend.” He was generous and loving with a unique sense of humor. Some of his funny phrases being… “You stink nice,” “It will heal before you get married,” and “I know Karate…Jane Karate”

His life was steeped in integrity, hard work without ever giving up, and a positive attitude toward whatever hand he was dealt. He embodied the Finnish word SISU, meaning stoic determination, grit, bravery and extraordinary perseverance in the face of extreme adversity... or maybe he was just stubborn.

Red was preceded in death by his wife Judy, his parents and his brother Luke, a brother-in-law

Clifton Campbell, another brother-in-law Andy Jensen, as well as some lifelong close friends.

In celebration and remembrance of John’s life and his love of sports, please join us on Thursday, October 29th from 5-10 pm for an open house Packer party in his honor at 749 Wisconsin Ave North Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. There will be a short memorial and worship time at 6 pm and food and refreshments throughout the evening.

Burial of ashes for both John and Judy Heglund will take place on Saturday, October 31, at 1 pm on the family farm in Ashland. To celebrate his life in Ashland– family and friends are invited to drop in, share favorite memories and enjoy pizza at Hugo’s from 3-5 pm.