Lee Allen Hegberg
OBITUARY
Lee Allen Hegberg, 93, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. Ever the warrior, he fought valiantly until the end.
Born June 12, 1932, in Santa Monica, California, Lee grew up in Southern California and graduated from Glendale High School. After graduation, he served in Korea and was one of the Chosin Few, the Marines who survived the brutal Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. He then attended UCLA, where he played basketball for legendary coach John Wooden. The lessons of discipline, loyalty, and perseverance that shaped his early years stayed with him throughout his life.
Lee proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, ultimately retiring with the rank of First Sergeant. During his military career he completed two tours in Vietnam and also served in a unique role as a recruiting Marine in Hollywood, where his larger-than-life personality made him the perfect “Hollywood Marine.” He represented the Corps with pride on various game shows and in the community. He was also a newscaster for Armed Forces Digest television.
Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, Lee enjoyed a successful career in sales, bringing the same determination and charisma that defined his military service.
Lee was a devoted husband and father whose strength, loyalty, and sense of responsibility guided his family throughout his life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Uta; his children, Kirsten and Thorsten (Claudia); and his grandchildren, Quinten, Cole, Taigen, Quinne, and Britt, all of whom he adored. Reconnecting with daughter Karen was a later-in-life gift.
Outside of work and family, Lee loved the game of golf. He proudly served as president of the Pendleton Men’s Golf Association, where he spent many hours on the course among friends.
Lee was the consummate storyteller and orator. He gave us our love for the ocean and water. He served his country with honor, loved his family deeply, and faced every challenge with courage until the very end. Bigger than life to those who knew him, he leaves behind a legacy of strength, service, and devotion. He will be profoundly missed.