By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Riding in a restored carriage that has been in the family for more than 100 years, Bruce and Alona Hedstrom were grand marshals of the Burdick Labor Day parade.

Bruce’s grandfather settled in the area in the late 1800s, and the family has had a presence there ever since.

Bruce has lived in the community his entire life. At 80, he still raises Angus cattle. He is retired from the railroad.

Bruce and Alona have been married for almost 55 years. They are members of Hebron Lutheran Church and are part of the Burdick Bunch, a group that raises funds for the American Cancer Society.

As a member of the American Legion, Bruce has honored veterans by organizing Memorial Day services for six local cemeteries. He is a Mason.

Alona grew up in rural White City. She served 12 years on the Tri County Telephone board of directors. She is a member of Eastern Star, Pacesetters EHU, and Burdick Council of Clubs.

Their three children — Tana, Leslie, and Spencer — and seven of their nine grandchildren accompanied them on the parade route.