Robert Hegland

Robert K. "Bob" Hegland died peacefully Friday, March 11, 2011, surrounded by his family at his home following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Bob was born on March 23, 1948 at Deaconess Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Morris and Doris (Gramstad) Hegland. Bob was raised in Grand Forks and attended Roosevelt Elementary, South Junior High, and graduated from Central High School in 1966. He attended Wahpeton Technical College for two years and received an Associates Degree in Mechanics. He enlisted into the Army in 1969, married his wife Donna Briedenbach, March 7th, 1970. Bob served in the Vietnam War as a Maintenance Data Specialist and was honorably discharged in 1971. Upon his return Bob worked briefly for Triangle Bus Lines. In the fall of 1982 he began working as a mechanic at Dietrich Bus Services where he remained for twenty-nine and a half years until his illness forced him to retire. One of Bob's greatest passions was riding his motorcycles. When he wasn't riding, he was building and refurbishing motors, motorcycles, and old cars. He was a Gifted Master Mechanic' who could fix up just about anything. One of Bobs prized possessions was a 1948 Pan-Head Harley Davidson. Bob's love to tinker with automobiles and motorcycles was passed on to his two sons, Rob and Randy who will forever miss their Dad. Bob was a gentle quiet man, who shared his mechanical knowledge with anyone who called upon him. He will be greatly missed by his family and will always hold a very special place in our hearts. Bob is survived by his wife Donna of 41 years; his sons, Rob (Julie) Hegland, Grand Forks, ND.; Randy Hegland, Grand Forks ND.; brothers, Duane (Nancy) Hegland, Plains, MT.; Larry (Sandy) Hegland, Kent, WA; sisters Patty (Jim) Harbott, West Fargo, ND and Annette Hegland, Phoenix, AZ.; grandson, Darion Hegland, Grand Forks, ND; and many nieces and nephews. His parents, Doris and Morris Hegland, and his guardians, Ann and Herman Sondreal, preceded Bob in death.