John Charles HEFTY

HEFTY, GRETHEN, RUMMENS, CAMPBELL, JONES, HUBERG, STILLE, GAST, WANER, BLEAKNEY, BILLINGS, CHAPMAN, ALLBRIGHT

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 3/25/2012 at 16:22:40

November 2, 1930 -- March 17, 2012

LU VERNE - John Charles "Bud" Hefty was born November 2, 1930 at Renwick, Iowa to Henry and Mildred (Rummens) Hefty. Bud graduated from the Vernon Country School in 1949. He then worked for area farmers until his service in the US Army from 1952-1954. He met Wilma Jean Grethen at a square dance. They were married June 6th, 1954 in Emmetsburg, IA and together they had 7 children. Bud Farmed and raised his children on a farm 5 miles from LuVerne. He had horses and enjoyed riding. In addition to farming Bud served for many years on the ambulance crew. He worked for over 20 years digging graves in the LuVerne area cemeteries. He also was a member of the United Methodist Church in LuVerne where he was also involved with the men's group.

Buds biggest love in life were kids, especially his grandchildren. He always made time for them and enjoyed taking them for tractor rides and having them help in the garden. He would make any kids he met a dollar ring or do some magic and pull a penny from their shirt. No one was a stranger and he enjoyed helping others with almost anything they were working on. In 1997 Bud retired from farming and moved to LuVerne. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, telling stories and pulling pranks. He took great pride in his garden and enjoyed his daily visits with friends at coffee.

In 2009 Bud moved to the I.O.O.F home in Mason City after beginning his battle with Alzheimer's disease. He spent his days singing and whistling for the others at IOOF where he received exceptional & loving care. He died March 17th 2012 at the age of 81.

Those left to cherish Bud's memory are: His wife Wilma of Mason City, daughters Debbie Campbell of West Des Moines, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Deb Jones of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; Glenda and husband Dale Huberg of New Hartford, Iowa; Pam and husband Curt Stille of Swaledale, Iowa; Shelly and husband Brian Gast of Story City, Iowa; Jill Hefty and husband Rodger Waner and Tina and husband Matt Bleakney of Manly, Iowa as well as 13 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, brothers, Henry Hefty and wife Laurine of LuVerne, Iowa; Ben Hefty and wife Kay of LuVerne, Iowa; Merrill Hefty and wife Judy of Ottosen, Iowa, and Gary Hefty of DeSoto, Iowa, and sisters, Betty Billings of Kansas City, Missouri, Alma Chapman of Osage, Iowa, and Eunice and husband Dennis Allbright of Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as and many nieces and nephews. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, his son John in 2010, and one sister Lela.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 2 PM at the United Methodist Church in LuVerne with Rev. Tim Riekhoff-Faris officiating. Burial will be in the LuVerne Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 7:00 PM Tuesday at Oakcrest Funeral Services in LuVerne.

March 20, 2012
Fort Dodge Messenger -- Iowa