Hello and thank you for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful group of people who enjoy making a difference in the lives of others in our community. My name is Mark Hedstrom and we have lived in Big Lake Township for 20 years. I currently work for the USPS here in Big Lake, I am the Assistant Chief of the Big Lake Fire Department, and I’m honored to serve as a Big Lake Township Supervisor. Big Lake is a wonderful community to be a part of and serve. I have had the opportunity to serve on the Big Lake School District Board as Chair, Clerk, and Board Member, Big Lake PTO, Big Lake Chamber of Commerce – Chair, Big Lake Fire Relief Association- President, Big Lake Township – Election Judge, Big Lake Baseball – Asst. Coach, Rebuilding Together, Habitat for Humanity and Junior Achievement. There are plenty of opportunities to give back and I encourage everyone to be part of something special here in Big Lake.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my wonderful wife Trish for almost 30 years and she has worked for United Healthcare for over 30 yrs . We have 2 sons who have both graduated from Big Lake. Cory is 24 yrs old and works in the machining industry and Nathan is 22 and in his final semester at UWRF-River falls pursuing a career in law enforcement and is hoping to serve close to home!
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
Been part of this great community for 20 years. We enjoy the small-town atmosphere and feeling of a hometown.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I currently deliver mail for the USPS. Love being out in the community and seeing great people on my route. I also love working for the BLFD as we have a great group of people who love to give back and make a difference in someone’s life who may be having the worst day of their lives. It’s this commitment that makes me proud to be part of this special group of people.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
Actually, my office team at my previous job called me Chief. I was proud to lead this team as well. Good hard-working people that tried to make financial dreams come true.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
MASH! This show brings back fond memories of me growing up and watching it with my parents. This was something we did with our children as well and to this day I still watch it most evenings and when the boys are home.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza! I love it! I could actually live off this and then good, cold, fresh milk as we had a dairy farm when I was young and loved milk from the bulk tank!
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
Love to hunt, camp, and get on the lake whenever I can. Good times to be had camping with friends and family!
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
Love to see Germany. Hope to get there someday.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
Well I would go to Germany. I would also ensure our First Responders in our community had everything needed to be safe and secure on the job.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
I worked 14 years for the largest financial company in the world and with the financial crash they closed all US operations. This was trying times, but it gave me the opportunity to focus my time and commitments to Big Lake. Turned out to be a true blessing.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I knew I could have served on the BLFD sooner. This is a wonderful organization that I am proud to be a part of.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My hero is, and will always be, my uncle and Godfather Bobby Lohse. He set me on a positive path when I needed it!
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
Not everyone knows I enjoy Busch Light!
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
The day I received the call from the BLFD and it gave me the ability to be a part of something special. This was a lifelong dream to be a firefighter.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
I love our local businesses. Each one offers something special and unique to offer.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
Small town feel. I grew up in a small town and wanted my family to have this feeling of community.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
If you have the ability, there is no better feeling than giving back to your community.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Norm and Dee Leslie, they have been great community members and continue to serve with the Lions as they have for so many years.
