Rockford, IllinoisMerle "Moe" Hedberg, age 67, of Rockford and a former long time resident of North Chicago, died Wednesday evening, January 18, 2006 in Biltmore Rehabilitation Center after a lingering illness. Merle was born April 27, 1938 in Rockford, IL the son of Lawrence and Mabel (Hayes) Hedberg. He graduated form Rockford East High School in 1957 where played football and excelled in baseball. After his high school graduation, Merle played baseball for the Rockford Red Birds. Merle graduated form the American Academy of Art and spent his working career as a commercial artist. Merle served in the US Army for two years where he designed recruitment posters for the 5th Army Headquarters in Chicago.Survivors include his daughter, Pamela (Shawn) Henninger of Belvidere; brothers, Jerry (Muriel) Hedberg of Bartlett, IL, Larry (Nancy) Hedberg of Cherry Valley, IL, Glen (Diane) Hedberg of Rockford; grandchildren Hillaire and Logan Henninger; several nieces and nephews and his former wife Marie Cramer Chamberlain. Merle is predeceased by his parents and infant sister, Patsy Jean Hedberg.

A memorial will be established in Merle's name in care of the family.