Bruce Hegedorn died peacefully on February 17, 2021. He was a life-long resident and well known and respected businessman in Webster, the community he loved, which was home to him and his wife of 70 years, Mary, who survives him.
Born on his parents’ dairy farm, where Hegedorn’s now stands, Bruce was the son of Clifford and Marie Kolb Hegedorn. He graduated from Webster High School and was drafted into the Army at the age of 18. He graduated from Springfield College, intending to return to Webster to begin his career as a physical education teacher.
Instead, he purchased his parents’ farm when they retired.He met and married Mary Smith in 1951 and together, they opened Hegedorn’s in 1953. Bruce, Mary, and her mother Elma were a team running the store- Mary and Elma on register and Bruce cutting meat, stocking shelves, etc. A man who never asked anyone to do a task he would not do himself, he could often be seen picking up litter in the parking lot, sweeping floors and packing grocery bags.
In 1965, Bruce and his best friend, Bill Gray, opened their first Bill Gray’s restaurant. Their partnership was built upon the handshake that was both Bruce’s trademark and proof of his good word. When their colleague Tom Wahl wanted to retire in 1986, Bill and Bruce purchased Tom Wahl’s Avon.
Caring deeply for the Town of Webster, Bruce believed in giving everything he could to the community through civic purchases, philanthropic donations and sponsorships of Webster sports teams.
In addition to his parents, Bruce was pre-deceased by his brothers Gary and Duane. In addition to his wife Mary, he is survived by his children Shari (John Gonzalez), Brian (Ric Thomann), Lindsey (Dale Vance), and Dana (Michael Berger), along with ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Services will be private. Those wishing, donate to a Webster charity of your choice.