Long-time United States Postal worker, Bob Hegge of Crofton, “licked his last stamp” at the Crofton office, officially retiring after 32-plus years of service to the community and area on Wednesday, June 14.
A card shower was requested in Hegge’s honor, and many friends, family and neighbors sent cards and brought cards and well-wishes to Hegge at the Post Office on June 14
Hegge was met on his last day with a horse-drawn carriage ride around the community of Crofton with friends and family on-board and a celebration gathering afterward. His last “official act” was depositing the Crofton Journal into post office boxes at the end of his shift.
A lifetime resident of Crofton, Hegge started out in construction, and then took a Clerk/Carrier test at the Untied States Postal Service, scoring well enough to become a Clerk in 1990, and eventually a “Flex Clerk” – being able to serve in not only the Crofton office but in 14 different offices in northeast Nebraska, wherever he was assigned.
Hegge said that when he was working at the original Crofton Post Office location (where Avera’s offices are now) his “wildest delivery” came when he was emptying the postal box outside, and when he unlocked the door a cat sprang out that someone had “so thoughtfully deposited” into the box prior to his routing check.
His “oddest delivery” was a quick response as well – probably the funeral urns that have been delivered over the years.
When Hegge started in 1990, stamps were 25 cents, and now they’re 63 cents (soon to go up in July to 66 cents), and he served under four Postmasters during those 32-odd years as well: Maretta McFarland, Shirley Meschke, Shirley Cunningham and current postmaster, Leanne Wendte.
In addition to his in-office work, Hegge was also, from time to time, called to run the postal routes as well – running routes three days a week at times to help fill-in or get the mail delivered on time.
He also served as “Officer in Charge” for the Niobrara office in 1997, but decided not to pursue becoming a Postmaster after his time there.
“It’s been a good ride” said Bob Hegge, “I’ve always loved meeting people.”
With all his “spare time” Hegge said he intends to continue serving the community with his work at the Crofton Volunteer Fields and with the local baseball and softball programs, said he will probably travel to see his grandkids in Colorado and Lincoln and doesn’t imagine he’ll have to worry much about “staying busy.”
Hegge (left) received his certificate of achievement for his years of service from Postmaster Leanna Wendte.
Hegge was greeted by family, friends and neighbors all wishing him well on his last day on Wednesday, June 14.