Roger Alan Hedding went to join his beloved parents Ralph J. Hedding and Adeline Hedding in heaven following a battle with an aggressive and rare cancer, on September 21, 2021, at the age of 72.

Roger was born in North Chicago, IL. on November 14, 1948. He grew up in Zion, Illinois and was an avid swimmer, teaching kids to swim and life guarding at the city pool and later at Illinois Beach State Park where he met his wife to be. They were married on September 6, 1969. What ensued was an enviable, almost perfect partnership of 52 years.

Roger graduated from Marquette University with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering in 1971, and began his career spanning 45 years with Westinghouse Electric, and later with ABB. He was also an avid MU basketball fan. He was hired straight out of Marquette by Westinghouse who brought them to Pittsburgh, PA where he began his long career and they welcomed their first child, Brian. A career move sent the family to Cleveland, OH for several years and another son, Joel, was born there. Another career move sent them to Wisconsin, and the family settled into Muskego, where they lived for nearly 30 years. Daughters Paula and Stacey were born in Wisconsin. In the late 80's Westinghouse was bought out by ABB. Roger stayed with the Company until retirement.

Roger loved the water and the family enjoyed time on Little Muskego Lake, where Roger taught the kids to water ski, and to enjoy the thrill of hanging on for dear life while he maneuvered the boat to give them an exciting ride. "Faster dad!" He also taught the kids how to harness the power of the wind in a sailboat, and how to right it when the wind wins! There was nothing better than a cruise around the lake at sunset, accompanied by Jimmy Buffett music. Roger also loved sports, and games in general. He was an avid fan of Marquette basketball, the Packers, and the Brewers. He also coached several of the kids' basketball teams at St. Leonard School where he was very active in the Parish with activities and teaching Christian formation. Family game night was a staple, particularly around the Holidays. And when playing cards with friends or family, he often came out a winner. Team Trivial Pursuit was a family tradition for many years, and the team Roger was on was heavily favored to win. Roger also loved food, family and tradition. These passions came together spectacularly around Christmas and other holidays. Roger and Kathy hosted family parties on the lake and Roger was happiest when he saw everyone having a good time. Roger loved to eat well and entertain, and his kids all know that grocery shopping, or shopping in general, was much more fun with dad. His homemade pierogies and Polish sausage are legendary and his fresh cranberry relish was even more exciting to make than eat.

Roger and Kathy also loved to travel as a family and as a couple, as well as with a wonderful group of friends, more like extended family, (you know who you are). They traveled throughout Europe, Ireland, Great Britain, through the Panama Canal, around Cape Horn, as well as Russia, China, Polynesia, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Alaska. Family road trips included many National Parks in the west, such as Yellowstone, Glacier, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon and several trips to The Magic Kingdom, creating a lifetime of memories and ensuring a love of the outdoors for his children (close encounters with bears and white-knuckle scenic drives notwithstanding).
Roger was many things to many people: a devoted father who fiercely loved his family, a husband who Kathy's friends envied, a basketball coach, math tutor, Indian Guides leader, a long time volunteer at St. Leonard Church, and Little Muskego Lake Assoc., and, in his work life, he truly enjoyed his job and was a Senior Life member of IEEE and Past President of the PSRC group. He authored or co-authored many papers related to power systems protection. He was a Parrot Head, grill master, woodworker, cards champion, travel guide, wine connoisseur, boating instructor, and an avid reader. No matter who you were in Roger's life, or just a random encounter, the same was true for all- he always, always, was kind and could put a smile on your face with his infectious laugh. It was often said, "everybody loves Roger."

Roger is survived by his wife, Kathy (Taylor) Hedding, brother Ralph D. Hedding, sons Brian (Jeanine) and Joel, as well as daughters Paula (Nick) Parrott, and Stacey (Cory) Larson, six grandchildren, Luke and Jack Richardson, Catherine and Lilly Hedding, and Stella and Hadley Larson, as well as sister's in law Judi Hedding and Susan Singer, and many cousins, especially Dale and Renee Flanagan, and very treasured friends, the Mallinger's, Kraklow's, Ostrowski's, Vidal's, Schneider's, and many more over his many years of spreading joy.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Leonard Church, W173 S7743 Westwood Dr., Muskego on Tuesday, December 21st with visitation from 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Funeral Mass 10 AM In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Leonard Endowment Fund, the Salvation Army, The American Cancer Society or Doctors Without Borders or in his memory would be appreciated.