Gerald Hegreberg

Minot

Dr. Gerald A. Hegreberg, a devoted husband, accomplished veterinary pathologist, and passionate collector, passed away on May 2, 2025, in Cypress, Texas, at the age of 87.

Born Aug.3, 1937, in Minot, North Dakota, Gerry discovered his love of gardening early in life. As a young boy, he grew vegetables and grains, earning the title “Garden King of Ward County” at the county fair.

This passion continued throughout his life, culminating in his becoming a Master Gardener and growing a bountiful garden in retirement, especially cherishing his homegrown tomatoes.

Gerry graduated from Minot High School, attended North Dakota State University for two years, and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1961 with a degree in veterinary medicine.

He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army and later practiced veterinary medicine before earning a PhD in veterinary pathology from Washington State University in 1968.

His career included groundbreaking research on inherited connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome and decades of teaching and research at Washington State University, where he retired in 1991.

An entrepreneur and wine enthusiast, Gerry owned Vintages, a wine shop in Cincinnati, where he shared his love of wine through tasting and collecting.

He also amassed a collection of over 20,000 books on various topics, including veterinary medicine and phrenology, which he generously donated to the local library. Gerry’s love for music brought joy to his life and others. He played the accordion and organ and delighted in singing old songs, spreading cheer wherever he went.

Gerry is survived by his beloved wife of over 30 years, Lynetta Freeman, and his sister, Judith Marchini (husband: Richard), and her family of Merced, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents Angeline (Buee) and Clifford Hegreberg and his grandparents, Henry and Anna (Fridell) Hegreberg and Henry and Laura (Schaumberg) Buee of Burlington, N.D.

Gerry’s brother, Dennis Hegreberg, preceded him in death. He will be remembered for his intellect, quirkiness, and passion for life’s simple pleasures.

A celebration of life was held on May 15 to honor Gerry’s memory and the many ways he enriched the lives of those around him.

He will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Minot, N.D. on June 27 at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in honor of Dr. Gerald Hegreberg to the Oklahoma State University Foundation to the Roger J. Panciera Pathology Education Endowment Fund 28-87300.

Checks should be made payable to OSU Foundation with “In honor of Gerald Hegreberg 28-87300” in the memo line and mailed to the OSU Foundation, PO Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749.

Online contributions can be made by going to https://secure.osugiving.com/s/giving/annual?dsgt=28-87300.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 23, 2025.