Heidi Joy Bergstedt

Heidi Joy Bergstedt, age 51, of Brooklyn Park, MN passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025. She was born on February 12, 1974 in Portland, Oregon to Peter and Joy Bergstedt. Heidi Joy graduated from the Association of Free Lutheran Bible School in 1994 and from Crown College in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in Education Studies.

Heidi Joy loved children and tutored several throughout the years. Her enthusiasm for life was evident through her love of wearing vibrant colors and her ability to laugh even when days were difficult. Her greatest love was for Jesus and His Word. She started her days by reading Scripture and she memorized the book of James. Heidi Joy often sang and remarked that she loved making a joyful noise. She was an inspiration to many as she persevered through the challenges of disability throughout her life. She will be remembered for her fierce independence, Finnish sisu, never-give-up attitude, generosity, and always trying to solve problems to make things better for others.
 
Heidi Joy was preceded in death by her father, Peter Bergstedt, grandparents Wilhart and Esther Somero and Sakrie, Aili and Hilda Bergstedt, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Heidi Joy is survived by her mother, Joy Bergstedt and siblings Sarah (Chris) Sannes, Beth (Gregory) Besonen, Anne (Tim) Miller, Nate (Chelsea) Bergstedt, Rachel (Michael) Palkki, nieces and nephews Veronica, Anissa, Amber, Emma, Elle, Jari, Stefan, Jadalyn, Nora, Ethan, Abby, Beth, Bennette, Ailina, Elisabeth, Josiah, and Jonathan, five great nieces and nephews, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
 
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethel Christian Fellowship 1466 Portland Ave Saint Paul, MN 55104 on Thursday, March 20, 2025, with a visitation at 10:00 am and a service at 11:00 am. Heidi Joy loved pizza and ice cream, which we will enjoy together after the service. Please wear joyful colors to honor Heidi Joy.

Heidi Joy sponsored children through World Vision since 2003 and her current child, Eneless, lives in Malawi and will graduate from the program in about four years. Donations given in Heidi Joy’s honor will continue to support this important person to her. In lieu of flowers, donations to support Heidi Joy’s sponsored child or to Feed My Starving Children would be appreciated. Checks for child sponsorship can be made to Anne Miller.
 
Many thanks to the staff at Maplewood Specialty Care, The Lodges of Brooklyn Park, and Moments Hospice for all the love and care they gave to Heidi Joy throughout the years. A private family interment in Esko, MN will take place at a later date.