- A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on Saturday April 18, 2026, at 12:00 noon until 3:00 at the Falcon Bowl (801 E. Clarke St. Milwaukee Wi)
Carl Gordon Hedman
Carl Hedman passed away peacefully after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and community spirit.
He was born on July 31,1934 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Carl and Vendla Hedman, who nurtured in him a deep sense of curiosity and integrity that would guide him throughout his life.
Carl’s journey of education was marked by a pursuit of knowledge and a passion for philosophy. He began his studies at Luther College and furthered his academic endeavors at Augustana, before moving on to Columbia University for his graduate studies. It was here that Carl’s love for philosophy blossomed, leading him to a fulfilling career as a professor. He held various positions in New York City before joining the philosophy department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). His academic journey later took him to Miami University and finally to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he shared his wisdom and inspired countless students over many years.
Carl’s commitment to community and cooperative businesses was evident through his instrumental role in starting the Gordon Park Co-op in the 1970s, the Riverwest Housing Co-op in the 1980’s and later the Riverwest Food Co-op in the 2000s. His passion for these initiatives reflected his deep belief in the power of collaboration and the strength of community ties.
On a personal note, Carl was a devoted husband. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Nancy Hedman, with whom he shared a beautiful journey full of love and mutual respect.
Carl’s warmth, kindness, and generosity touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he enriched. He will be lovingly remembered by his adored children and grandchildren Gunnar(Cori) Carl Jr., Ian, Peder(Tracy)Cyril and by those who called him a friend and mentor.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Eastcastle Pl. and the Milwaukee Catholic Home for their compassionate care and support provided to Carl and Nancy over the years.
A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on Saturday April 18, 2026, at 12:00 noon until 3:00 at the Falcon Bowl. Family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by Carl are invited to join in honoring his remarkable life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to the Riverwest Investment Co-op as a tribute to his lifelong commitment to building and nurturing communities. Rest in peace, dear Carl.
Your legacy of love, learning, and community will continue to inspire us all.
Carl and I became friends through the development of Multicultural Community High School created by a public school teacher Diane McFatridge Madsen back in the early 1970’s. Diane asked Carl and I to carry on after she became ill with MS soon after we got it all started. Multi continued for some 40 years as a very non traditional learning program for youth and then later adults. With no money early one, classes were held in church basements, shopping centers, bowling alleys, and any place who would give us free space, Teachers were volunteers. At some point in time, in order to pay our teachers, we agreed to funding from MATC and the state. We believe our successful program encouraged MPS to start developing their own alternative schools.. So perhaps Carl and I can regard this work as successful for more than the thousands of people we worked with. You are missed, Carl, but you have influenced and guided many people to carry on your work throughout the community. Nancy Peters