Jeff Hitchcock, age 66, of Hudson, passed away peacefully in his home on December 5, 2016 after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
He was born in Minneapolis, MN to Claude and Bonnie Hitchcock and grew up in Edina. Jeff earned his D.D.S. from the U of M and began his dental career working in Ellsworth, WI. He was united in marriage to Carol Sevig in Minot, ND. In 1980, the couple moved to Hudson where Jeff started St. Croix Valley Dentistry.
Jeff respected nature and enjoyed being active in the outdoors. He was fond of all types of skiing; having barefoot water skied in his younger years, taught downhill skiing at Afton Alps, and cross country skiing at Willow State Park. He adored his time boating and fishing on the St. Croix River and exploring country roads on his road bike. Jeff was not only curious, but also creative in his journey to articulate his understanding of the inherent good in all people. The past several years of his life were filled with inspirational insights he accumulated onto his own website as a way to share his thoughts with others. Recently, Jeff enjoyed his new sport, pickleball. He supported his community in countless ways, including involvement with Rotary, Bethel church council, United Way, and the Hudson Soccer Assoc. Jeff always carried one of his harmonicas in his pocket, the key of “C,” and would readily start harmonizing with a joyful spirit.
Jeff will remain in the heart of his wife of 37 years, Carol; children, Bonnie (Anthony) Holmes, Erika (Steve) Ferraro, and Bryan Hitchcock; grandchildren, Logan and Claudia N. Holmes, and Scarlett Ferraro; sister, Claudia (George) Peltier; and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Bonnie Hitchcock.
Visitation is 12:00-3:00 pm on Sunday, December 11, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 12, at Bethel Lutheran Church – Downtown Campus, 920 Third Street, Hudson, WI. A gathering of family and friends will also be held 1 hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Memorials preferred to the Hitchcock Family Charitable St. Croix Valley Foundation Endowment, P.O. Box 813, Hudson, WI 54016.