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James Hedman Obituary

Hedman, James Peder Beloved Milwaukee musician, passed away suddenly of a heart attack on December 11, 2017, age 55. A gifted musician and painter, Peder was a man about town and a friend to all. Growing up on the East Side, he was a key part of Milwaukee's music scene beginning in his teenage years. A psychedelic punk rock icon and consummate showman best known for Liquid Pink, Detroit Jewel, and Tweaker, Peder played in scores of Milwaukee bands over the years. As he moved around for fun and adventure in the 1990s, Peder became part of the scenes in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Richmond, Virginia, and Austin, Texas, eventually returning home to Milwaukee, where he was adored. Tall and gangly at 6'4", Peder was a jovial counterculture trendsetter who looked cool always, his vintage floral and paisley shirts a distinctive inch short at the wrists, and his hands speckled with paint from creating art, or from his day job as a house painter. He was a thrift store connoisseur who could dig out incredible records and 8-tracks, vintage knickknacks, and forgotten electronics from even the most dubious shop, regularly gifting these treasures to friends. His taste was impeccable. Peder could strike up a conversation with absolutely anybody-from a fellow musician in Milwaukee or Chicago to an elderly man at a roadside antique stand in North Carolina-and bond with them instantly. He had a million hilarious stories to tell, and told them with delight. Peder was never unapproachable, and his curiosity was legendary. He was interested in everyone, supported everyone, and made everyone feel fine. He doted on his beloved cats and dogs, loved to tinker with mechanical things, and found a way to cook a Tombstone Pizza in a toaster oven (you cut it in half first!). He was a gem. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, and friend, Peder will be missed by every single person who ever knew him. He is survived by his wife Tracy, his son Cyril, his parents Carl and Nancy, his brother Gunnar, sister-in-law Cori, nephews Carl and Ian, parents-in-law Ed and Lisa, and his dog, Oskar. A memorial service is set for 3:00 PM Saturday, December 16, Blue Ribbon Hall at Best Place, 901 W. Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Celebration of Life to follow. Memorial gifts to honor Peder may be made to the Cyril G. Hedman Irrevocable Trust.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Dec. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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March 27, 2018

Knew peder from JFK PREP days, deepest sympathies to his family. Unique, bright and talented back in highschool can imagine how great his adulthood has been

Lori Aveni Waldo

Elaine Piller

January 21, 2018

Truly shocked by Peder's passing! My thoughts are with Tracy and Cyril and all Peder's family and friends . Will miss seeing him in the yard

Judith Simonds

December 18, 2017

We are sending all of the Hedman's warm hugs and our deepest sympathies.
Peder was the best of the best. Loosing him is so difficult on so many levels.
Much love,
Doug LaValliere and Judy-Judy Simonds

Judy Simonds

December 18, 2017

We are sending love and warm hugs to the Hedman family. We are heartbroken on so many levels. Peder was the best of the best.
Much Love,
Doug and Judy-Judy

Teresa Cheathon

December 16, 2017

I am Cyrils bus driver. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to talk to Peder almost every morning about a variety of subjects for the past 3 years that his son has been riding with me. Peder was kind and caring and I considered him my friend. I will miss him dearly.

December 16, 2017

Deeply saddened to learn of the heartbreaking news. my thoughts are with Nancy and Carl and Peders family. Deepest sympathy. Cindy Obletz

Keith Brammer

December 16, 2017

Irrepressibly optimistic, unfailingly cheerful, and eternally inventive, Peder was truly one of a kind. It was my privilege to call you a friend and a bandmate. Godspeed, brother.

Stuart Bruce

December 16, 2017

A truly gifted artist and musician, and an even more so gifted human being. What a unique way he connects with others. So glad to have met him. So glad to have feel his spirit in the world. Priceless memories from the 80's and beyond. Prayers and thoughts are with Tracy and Cyril. Prayers and thought are with Carl and Nancy, Gunnar, Cori, and the rest of his family.

Nancy Peters

December 16, 2017

I am so very sad to hear of the early death of Peder. I knew him as the son of Nancy and Carl, and a Family School friend of my daughters, Clare and Grace. It sounds like he grew up to an extraordinary man who will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. Peace and love to the Hedmans.

Ed Bieri

December 16, 2017

Ed Bieri

December 16, 2017

Peder c1991

December 16, 2017

Jon Malone

December 16, 2017

May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences.

Eric Beaumont

December 15, 2017

A mighty presence onstage and on record and a supremely lovable man, Peder bestowed our lives with an abundance of wonder and magic. To all of you who love him, I hope he visits you in your dreams.

Amy Weisbrot

December 15, 2017

A special individual in so many ways.
True to his roots, he was kind and compassionate.
A devoted son and father.
I loved his interactions with Cyril.
I appreciated his work ethic and verve.
My heart goes out to his family.
He will be sorely missed.

Rob McCuen

December 15, 2017

i loved and admired you like a brother peder. sincere condolences to the entire family.

December 15, 2017

In life one doe not forget the gifts received. Peder gave so very many. He will be sorely missed. Rest well Peder Hedman. Fred & Kathy

Amalia Schoone

December 15, 2017

I have so many wonderful memories of Peder, from the night I met John, to the day he caught a dragonfly for our girls (and reminded them to release it later in the day), to so many good time on the golf course ( including the day he found the full size snickers bar), he is one of a kind. My life is much richer from meeting Peder and all the Hedmans. Keeping you in my heart.

Chauveen Leung

December 15, 2017

I am so heartbroken for Cyril and Tracy. Such an unfair loss to a wonderful family. Peder will be missed by all who knew him. I didn't know him through music, but as a father to Cyril. He was an incredibly memorable guy no doubt, kind, loving, funny, with his own distinct individual style. My most heartfelt condolences.

Devoted husband

Lisa Bieri

December 15, 2017

Phenomenal father

Lisa Bieri

December 15, 2017

Janet Reinhoffer

December 15, 2017

Peder, you made many of the houses on our block beautiful on the inside and out with your painting, but you made our block more colorful with your conversation. You are and will be missed peace.

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Memorial Events
for James Hedman

Dec

16

Celebration of Life

Blue Ribbon Hall at Best Place

WI

Dec

16

Memorial service

3:00 p.m.

Blue Ribbon Hall at Best Place

901 W. Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, WI

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