Theodore "Ted" Hegley


Theodore Stephen Hegley, age 82 of Baraboo, Wisconsin passed away October 21, 2018. He was born September 11, 1936 in Madison, Wisconsin to Albert Theodore Hegley and Lenora Skellenger Hegley. From his earliest days, he enjoyed the outdoors in all seasons, and he loved to draw what he noticed, especially wildlife and airplanes. Ted graduated from Madison Central High School, and earned his master's degree in art education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He married Sarah "Sally" Alice Crownhart June 18, 1960. In 1962, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Montgomery, Alabama. Living in Alabama in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement had a profound effect on Ted's life and sparked his compassion and caring for all people.In 1968 he and Sally moved to Baraboo, and a 35 year art teaching career began. "Hegs", as his students affectionately called him, was "the coolest teacher in school" as described at his retirement celebration. As a teacher and within the community, he shared his passion for art and life, always aiming to bring out the best in everyone. The Hegley family is deeply grateful to all who have shared their experiences with us over the past several months. Whether you knew him as an educator, artist (1 sculpture at Walker Art Center), motorcyclist, fisherman, WWII aficionado, sailor, skier, hunter, gunsmith, model builder, hunter safety instructor, neighbor, photographer, bad joke teller or other, he seems to have given us all a better ability to see the beauty in the world around us and in our fellow man. As Hegs would say, "God love ya kid."Ted is survived by his wife Sally of Stoughton; his four children Douglas Hegley (Monika) of Edina, Minnesota, Jennifer Goolsby (Patrick) of Los Angeles, California, Kristin Penegor (Duane) of Madison, and Karin Stake (Sean) of Stoughton; ten beloved grandchildren: Mariah, Maxwell, Nora, PJ, Thomas, Riley, Paavo, Jackson, Kai, and Soren; his sister Chrysentia Hegley of Madison; and his brother The Reverend James Hegley (Debra) of Pittsford, New York, as well as many nieces and nephews, and so many former art students. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert & Lenora Hegley of Madison.The Hegley family is planning a memorial service in Baraboo in summer 2019. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.