Michael Carrol Hedges, 69, of Clayton, Wisconsin passed away on June 8, 2024.

Mike was born in Oakland, Nebraska on September 30, 1954. He attended grade school in a one room rural school house and later, after the family moved off the farm and into town, attended school in Lyons, Nebraska. He often reminisced on how he spent the summers whacking weeds out of bean or corn fields, and when the heat became too dangerous, going back to town and taking a dip in the town pool before going to the pool hall with friends. While earning his high school degree, through a correspondence course, he had many jobs working at the local fertilizing plant, grocery store and mobile home manufacturing.

Mike and Rita Lane were married on August 14, 1971. He received his degree in Radiology Technology from Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota in 1976 before moving to Alaska. While in Alaska, he would hitchhike the foothills of the mountains and disappear for 2-3 days to camp while becoming a canoeing enthusiast in freezing cold waters.

Later, after Mike and Rita divorced, Mike met and married Elly Gilchrist on January 20, 1980 before settling down in Wisconsin to help his brother Bill with his hobby farm. That same year, he secured a job at ARMC and became the Diagnostic Imaging Director, where he served over 30 years of employment. He assisted on numerous committees while at the Amery Hospital and Clinic. He also attended on the board at the United Way. Mike volunteered in 2 different community theaters, acted as the music coordinator for the local youth church group, and as an Explorer Scout Advisor.

His faith in God was paramount in his day to day life. He found joy in sharing his insights with people, with his faith never wavering. His love for animals never diminished. Although he enjoyed the company of his dogs the most, he never hesitated to aid any animal – be it a raccoon, rabbit or a 3-legged deer. Mike adored playing music and would often offer his services for many weddings, work parties, retirements, etc. Golfing and gardening also filled his free time. He took joy in traveling and had made it to 46 states, but mostly he enjoyed his trips back home to visit with his Nebraska family.

Mike is survived by his children, Jorma Hedges of Lyons, Nebraska, Sarah (Hedges) Oxendale of New Richmond, Wisconsin and Aaron Hedges of Clayton, Wisconsin; brother, William Hedges of Lyons, Nebraska; grandsons, Ty and Teagan Oxendale of New Richmond, Wisconsin and niece and nephew, Hayley (Hedges) Jones and James Hedges both of Lyons, Nebraska who will profoundly miss him every single day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helene Hedges and granddaughter, Sophia Oxendale.

Funeral services will be held at 5:30 pm on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI. The visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 5:30 pm prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.