Martin Jens Pederson

Music Teacher and loving grandfather, Martin “Marty” Jens Pederson of Eau Claire passed on to glory on May 24th at the age of 60 after battling injuries sustained from a severe car accident on February 13, 2023. 

Marty was born in Bloomer, Wisconsin on October 5th,1962 to Loyal and Genevieve Pederson. Marty attended UW Whitewater and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 1986. He met the love of his life, Jill (née Kroll) at Timberlee Christian Center during summer camp in college, and they were married on May 30th,1986. As a father to Jacob and Zachary, Marty was a constant source of love, support, and guidance.

Marty loved children and he loved music, and combining the two, he had the perfect career  sharing his love of music with thousands of elementary kids over his 35 years of teaching. In addition to his teaching career, Marty was an active member of the local music community. He enjoyed directing the Chippewa Valley Boys Choir, participating in the Eau Claire Male Chorus, and teaching private choral, guitar, and piano lessons.

His teaching didn’t end with music, however. He particularly enjoyed instructing a fishing class for summer school every year, and shared many of the fun stories with Jill when he got home. Marty felt a special peace when outdoors. In addition to fishing, he enjoyed walks in old-growth forests and foraging for mushrooms, listening to the music of nature.

Marty possessed a unique ability to form connections and make friendships with anyone he met. His genuine interest in others and compassionate spirit brought solace, support, and joy to countless lives, leaving a profound impact on all who knew him. With a heart for the Lord, Marty’s continued involvement with church ministries impacted each congregation he attended, most recently supporting the church plant of Clear Water Presbyterian in Eau Claire. 

Marty was happiest around his family; you could hardly hear a heartier laugh than when he was playing with his grandsons. His warm smile, unwavering dedication, and boundless love will be deeply missed by his wife, Jill, sons Jacob (Sarah) and Zachary (Jaycee), grandsons Ronan and Henry, and his siblings, students, colleagues, and friends whose lives were touched by his presence. 

Funeral services will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Lake Street United Methodist Church, 337 Lake Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703. Visitation will take place at Hulke Family Funeral Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI Monday, May 29, 2023 from 4-7 pm. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday an hour prior to the service. Committal services will take place immediately following the funeral at Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.