Heffelfinger, Jerry Wayne 1936-2026

HEFFELFINGER, HUNTRODS, HOPP, BACHMAN, FINDERS, HOOPINGARNER, PUDGE, HEFF

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 4/4/2026 at 08:36:21

Jerry Wayne Heffelfinger
November 17, 1936 - March 18, 2026

Jerry Heffelfinger of Mingo, Iowa, went to his heavenly home on March 18, 2026.

Jerry was born on November 17, 1936. He was the second child of Paul and Jessie (Huntrods) Heffelfinger. Jerry was born at the family home near Collins, Iowa. He joined his older sister, Pauline, at home. Later the family moved to Mingo and two years later, younger brother, Robert (Pudge/Heff) joined the family.

Jerry attended Mingo Community Schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade. While in high school, he was a typical boy-average grades but good at sports--playing football, basketball, baseball, and track. Jerry also helped on the family farm.

After graduating high school in 1955, Jerry tells the story that his mom, Jessie, took him the next day over to Parson's Manufacturing in Newton, where he got a job as security guard.

Jerry joined the Marine Corp Reserves with his brother in 1958 and joined other local friends in service. After Reserves training in San Diego, California, Jerry returned and got a job with John Deere Works in Ankeny. He worked as a mechanic in the experimental department working on cotton pickers.

On April 10, 1960, Jerry married Luanne Hopp in her home church at the Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg, Iowa. On January 13, 1961, their daughter Jeri Ann was born followed by son Jeff on September 7, 1963.

Not only did Jerry work at John Deere Works and farm with his dad, he was active in his children's lives with their sports and activities. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, and playing cards with his kids and friends.

Jerry retired from John Deere after 40 years. He took up the game of golf after retirement and would gladly recount his golf game to anyone-- even if you didn't want to hear it! He went to many of his grandchildren's activities too.

Left to live out his legacy are his wife, Luanne Heffelfinger; his daughter, Jeri Ann Heffelfinger; daughter-in-law, Lisa Bachman Heffelfinger; grandchildren, Jeremy (Elena) Heffelfinger, Hollie (Tyler) Finders, and Caleb Heffelfinger; great grandsons, Asher and Kayden Finders; and sisters-in-law, Terri Heffelfinger and Janet Hopp, and several nieces and nephews.

Those who have gone before him were his parents Paul and Jessie Heffelfinger; his sister and brother-in-law Pauline and Arthur Hoopingarner and brother, Robert (Pudge/Heff) Heffelfinger; son, Jeff; granddaughter, Lindsey; and brother-in-law Donald Hopp.

Services will be on Saturday, May 2nd at Coburn Funeral Home, 24 West Howard St., Colfax, Iowa 50054. Visitation from 10 to 11am with the service beginning at 11 am. Graveside services will be held with immediate family at a later date. Jerry was a simple man and wanted a simple funeral so there will be no luncheon following.

Memorials may be made out to the family to be divided among charities of his request including Teen Challenge and brain cancer studies in honor of his son, Jeff.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry, please visit our floral store.
Events
Visitation
Saturday, May 2, 2026
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Coburn Funeral Home - Colfax
24 W Howard St
Colfax, IA 50054
Guaranteed delivery before Jerry's Visitation begins.
Memorial Service
Saturday, May 2, 2026
11:00AM - 11:30AM
Coburn Funeral Home - Colfax
24 W Howard St
Colfax, IA 50054
Guaranteed delivery before Jerry's Memorial Service begins.
Tribute Wall ~ The Coburn Funeral Home, Colfax, Iowa 18 March 2026.