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HEFTE, Rudolph A. (1909-2000)

HEFTE, KAMBO, LEMKE, MIDDLETON, WILKERSON, MCKNIGHT, HOWELL, FOX, HANSON, NERHUS, WOOGE, MITCHELL

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 12/9/2012 at 21:35:57

Rudy Hefte

Rudolph Alva Hefte was born on a farm near Goodell, Iowa on February 20, 1909, the son of Austin A. and Johannah (Kambo) Hefted. He attended rural schools, graduating from the 8th grade at Orthel #2. Since he was one of the older of ten children his parents needed his help on the farm so they promised him a car when he was 21 if he would stay at home and help. Later
he and his Dad built a school bus and he started driving what was probably the first motorized school bus route in the county. Listening to his student passengers and his siblings talk about school activities, he realized he was missing out on an education so in 1931 he enrolled in the Crystal Lake High School using the proceeds from his school bus route to pay the tuition, as he was over twenty-one years of age. His graduating class of 1935 honored him by electing him class president and he was also awarded a citizenship medal. He went on to attend Britt Junior College graduating in 1937.

On August 27, 1941 Rudy was united in marriage to Marjorie Lemke of Klemme. Except for the three years he served in the Medical Detachment of the United States Army Air Force, mostly spent in Amarillo, Texas, they have lived their 58 years
together in Britt.

For 35 years he owned and operated his own service station. This was back in the ;lays when gasoline was six gallons for $1.00 and service meant you washed the windshield. checked the oil and radiator, checked the air in the tires as well as Filling the gas tank for every customer. He will always be especially remembered by his customers for his honesty and fairness to all.

He was also a substitute rural mail carrier for 32 years, becoming a full-time carrier in 1975. After his retirement in 1979 and before suffering a stroke in 1996 he became an ardent golfer and an avid fisherman. His greatest delight was
sharing his bait - his equipment and his knowledge of "how to catch the big ones" with anyone willing to fish beside him. He also especially enjoyed the fellowship of his brothers in Protection Lodge #611 I.O.O.F.

The devotion of his family and grandchildren was very special to him.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; two daughters, Marlys Hefte of Des Moines and Rosemary Middleton of Helmond; one son.
Dorance and his wife Connie of Doors; five grandchildren, Victoria Wilkerson and her husband Lee of Arvada, CO, Richard Middleton and his wife Susan, Lakewood, CO, Kimberly McKnight and her husband Scott of Davenport, IA, Meghan Howell and her husband Chad also of Davenport, and Andrew Hefte, of Doors; three great-grandsons, Nikolas McKnight and Tyler and Alexander Howell; three sisters, Adelaid Fox, Britt, Irene Hanson, Lincoln, NE, Tudy Nerhus, Windom, MN: and two brothers, Kenneth Hefted. Marionville, MO and Vern Hefte, Mesa, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents. three brothers, Johannes. Arnold and Calvin and two sisters, Grace Wooge and Hazel Mitchell.

[buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, Iowa

source: partial copy of funeral card


 

Hancock Obituaries maintained by LaVern Velau.
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