David Leo Heffron

David Leo Heffron, age 79 of Melrose, passed away Monday, April 21, 2014, at his home. David was born November 2, 1934, to Michael Joseph and Agnes Margaret (Murphy) Heffron in Georgetown. He married Kathleen Ryan on August 20, 1966, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Weller, IA. They were blessed with six children, Paul, Steve, Christine, Don, Jim, and Maureen. David graduated from Georgetown High School in 1952 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. He played softball for the Georgetown Shamrocks and baseball in Albia in his younger years. He worked at Baxter Box Factory in Centerville, and also Chamberlain's and Coady Plumbing and Heating for many years. Then David farmed south of Melrose for the rest of his life. David was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose and Knights of Columbus St. Mary's Council 4167. He was a devout Catholic and studied the Catholic religion, along with attending First Friday Masses and Adoration. He was a weather spotter when he was younger. He enjoyed being outdoors, farming and hunting throughout his life. He was very proud of the family farm being a Century Farm, and loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching their activities. David is survived by his wife, Kathleen of Melrose; six children, Paul (Kelly) Heffron of Van Meter, Steve (Karla) Heffron of Melrose, Christine (Phil) Ramsel of Grand Island, NE, Don Heffron of Melrose, Jim (Genni) Heffron of Melcher-Dallas, and Maureen (Brian) Gehringer of Norwalk; twelve grandchildren, Sam and Wyatt Heffron, Ryley and Nicholas Heffron, Jack, Allyson, and Carson Ramsel, Tierney, Charlee and Ciara Heffron, and Tucker and Zachary Gehringer; four siblings, Sister Mary Kayleen Heffron of Ottumwa, Patrick J. Heffron of Coralville, Michael J. Heffron of Albia, and Edward T. (Louise Murray) Heffron of Iowa City. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, David (Kathy) Ryan and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother in infancy, and two brothers, John Paul and Vincent D. Heffron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 24, 2014, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose; with Fr. Patrick Lumsden officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose, with David's family present from 5-8 p.m. A rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus at 6:30 p.m., and a Christian wake service will follow at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening. Memorials may be made to Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose.

David Leo Heffron

November 2, 1934 - April 21, 2014