James Hedstrom

James N. Hedstrom, 90, passed away on August 10, 2025.

Born and raised in Ironwood Michigan, he took great pride in his family roots and hometown. In 1972, he moved south and settled in Tomahawk, enjoying the small town lifestyle. He worked at the Hyrider Plant building fiberglass boats, then worked at a salvage yard in Rhinelander before settling into a job working at the Tomahawk Water Department.

After establishing himself, he married Sharon Alsteen and had his only child, Timothy James Hedstrom. Jim and Sharon later divorced and stayed true to each other, helping each other out. Jim devoted his life to raising Timothy, and helping as many people as he could. 

Timothy married Melissa Hedstrom and blessed Jim with 3 grandsons; Hayden, Tayson, and Trevor. Those boys were the light in his life. Those boys were Papa's "Buddies". He spent lots of time outside with them, watching football, grilling out, playing, celebrating holidays, garage sales, and even Papa moving in with them. 

Jim enjoyed the simpler things in life, like having bonfires, listening to original country music, having a cold beer (don't forget to take the tabs off), fishing, and going to the taverns on a Friday night to visit friends. He loved his Green Bay Packers. Everyone who knew him knows that he was always positive and content relaxing on his couch. He loved decorating for Christmas and having tons of food, snacks, and drinks out for anybody to enjoy on Christmas Eve. 

Blessed to have lived a long, simple life, he started developing memory loss. But boy, he refused to let it win. For 12 years, he was still getting up every morning for his cup of coffee, ice water, and his Chunk & Tims loaded pizza on Friday nights. Our love for him knows no end. He was and will always be embedded in our hearts and souls. He will forever be missed. We know that he is watching over us and is taking Hayden fishing. Heaven is now truly a much richer place!

Private services are being held.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation of Care of Weston will be assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at www.ascendweston.org.