James `Jim` Hedemann
James `Jim` Hedemann , Age 79
James “Jim” Hedemann, 79, of Baraboo, passed away on June 11, 2026.
Jim was born on February 23, 1947, in Elkader, the son of Grover and Helen Hedemann. He graduated from Decorah High School in 1965 and went on to play football at Mason City Junior College. He was awarded a football scholarship to Iowa State University, later transferring to UN I where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
Following college, Jim moved to St. Louis and served as a police officer. He later returned to Iowa and worked for many years at John Deere in Waterloo. Driven by a desire to help others, Jim pursued a career in nursing, earning his Registered Nurse degree. He found great fulfillment caring for others and remained dedicated to that calling until his retirement.
Jim had a deep love for animals, especially his pets, and found happiness in the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who cherished time spent in nature. Those who knew him will remember his caring nature, quiet strength, and devotion to family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Helen Hedemann, and his nephew, Brent Stoskopf.
He is survived by his sisters, Marcia Stoskopf and her husband Ron, and Jane Graves and her husband Lenny; his nieces, Michelle D'Aigle and her husband Doug, Jamie Brescia, and Kristin Marking and her husband Jon; along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews whom he loved very dearly.
Jim’s life was defined by service, compassion, and a genuine love for those around him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Per Jim’s wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
Condolences
Darlene Otto June 17, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful, caring person. Thoughts & prayers
Terry Baxter June 17, 2026
Friend BARABOO , Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss. Jim was a very kind and wonderful person. He will be missed.
Scotty Taylor June 17, 2026
Good friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Jim was a good friend and will be sorely missed. I’ve had the honor and privilege to get to know and love Jim these past 4 years. He was kind and compassionate and a good friend and I am very happy to have called him my friend. Jim is now with our Lord and Savior and as we mourn him not being with us anymore…we should also celebrate the life that he lived. My sincerest condolences to his family. May God bless you all! Rev. Scott W Taylor & Fam.
Sandy Bowers June 17, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
I transported Jim to his appointments in Madison on many occasions. He was a very kind man; easy to talk with and so caring. Gone much to soon. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.
Jill Garcia-Richmond June 19, 2026
Acquaintance North Freedom , Wisconsin
I got to know Jim from delivering meals to him. He was such a kind, loving soul. Thoughts and prayers to all those who loved him. I am so sorry.
Dan Price June 25, 2026
Friend and high school classmate Waverly , Iowa
As a high school classmate of Jim’s, I am so sorry to learn of his passing. I recall Jim’s first day at Decorah as his father, Grover, became the high school principal and Jim and I were in Junior High at the time. Unlike myself, Jim was a top athlete, participating and lettering in football, basketball, and baseball (and perhaps other sports that I don’t recall). Jim had a very bad accident during basketball practice – it probably wasn’t a formal practice, but instead some risky playing around that certainly wouldn’t have been sanctioned. I understood that some players were attempting to dunk the ball by running toward and jumping onto a metal folding chair near the basket and apparently the chair collapsed or slid away and Jim fell and broke his arm horribly. He was in a cast for a long time, but the fracture healed successfully. His football prowess brought him a full-ride scholarship to Iowa State, but I suspect Jim’s physical size just wasn’t enough to compete against college-level players, unfortunately, and he dropped out during his first quarter. I had lost all track of Jim after that first quarter at Iowa State, but am glad that he found a calling for nursing as I’m sure he was exactly the type of person who would excel in that profession. Rest in peace, Jim.
Lynda Flynn June 26, 2026
Friend Oxford , Wisconsin
So sad to hear about Jim passing. He was a neighbor to my mom and became a friend of our family. He was a very kind man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Patti Fenske July 01, 2026
Acquaintance Baraboo , Wisconsin
Jim was always one of my favorite stops when delivering meals. He was always friendly and wanting to talk for a few minutes. I miss visiting with him and also sharing sometime with his dog. You have my condolences. He was a wonderful man.
Ron Shada July 01, 2026
Friend Anamosa , Iowa
One of the best althetes to step on a football field.