Obituary of Edward Charles Hietala

Edward Charles Hietala, 71, of Proctor, passed away June 6, 2016. Ed was born March 25, 1945, to Charles and Florence Hietala. He married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Jean Marie Foster, July 3, 1964. "Fast Eddy," as he was known to many in the local racing community, raced stock cars from the early 60's to the 1990's. After retiring from racing, he continued to enjoy attending races to watch his sons, grandsons and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents; and infant daughter Ronda. Ed is survived by his children and their families: son Rodney (Theresa) and their children E.J. (Amanda), Adam and Matthew; son Randy and children Katie and Danielle; son Robert; daughter Ronda; son Ricky; son Ronald and children Todd, Seth, Kayla and Hunter; three great-grandchildren; his brother, Roger (Betty) Hietala; and sister Leeann Reynolds. A GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: 3-5 p.m. Thursday, June 16, in Minnesota Cremation Society, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth.