Albert “Pete” Lehman, a lifelong Bettendorf resident and dedicated community volunteer, has been named as the City of Bettendorf’s 2025 Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal.
Mr. Lehman, who celebrates his 91st birthday today, described the honor as “unbelievable” during a conversation with Mayor Bob Gallagher. Born in Bettendorf on July 2, 1934, Lehman graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1952 – its first year of operation on 23rd Street.
After high school, Mr. Lehman worked as a bricklayer’s helper, notably contributing to the construction of Lourdes Catholic School on the city’s Mississippi Boulevard. He then joined the Rock Island Arsenal’s Machinist Apprenticeship Program, dedicating the remainder of his working career to the Arsenal before retiring in 1988.
For more than 50 years, Mr. Lehman has been an active member of the Bettendorf Lion’s Club, part of the world’s largest service club organization. Beyond his community service, Mr. Lehman was a professional fast-pitch softball player, winning multiple state championships and was selected by other state champion teams to compete in the International Softball Congress Men’s Fast Pitch World Tournament, held in Rock Island, from 1961 to 1969.
Following his role as grand marshal, Mr. Lehman will celebrate his 69th wedding anniversary with his wife, Colene, on Monday, July 7. They have four children, six grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
“For all these reasons and more, we have chosen Pete Lehman as our 2025 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal,” said Jeff Reiter, assistant city administrator. “We encourage everyone in our community to come celebrate him as he leads our Parade on Friday, July 4 starting at 10 a.m. in Downtown Bettendorf.”
The parade steps off at the intersection of 23rd and State streets, proceeding east on State Street, curving to Grant Street, going west on Grant Street to 16th Street, turning south on 16th Street, going east on State Street, and concluding at 21st Street.
The Fourth of July festivities also include a festival from noon to 10 p.m. on Spruce Hills Drive (in front of Cumberland Square). It will feature live music on two stages, kid-friendly activities, food and craft vendors, and free ice cream. The Bettendorf Community Band will perform at Veterans Memorial Park.
Spruce Hills Drive will be closed from 18th Street to Cumberland Square Drive from 8 a.m. Thursday, July 3, to noon Saturday, July 5 for the event. Access to Cumberland Square businesses will be available via Spruce Hills Drive near Azteca and on 18th Street. Fireworks will be held at dusk on July 4 at Middle Park.
For more information, visit www.bettendorf.org/4thofJuly.
