John Joesph (Joe) Heffron was born January 17, 1935 at home, to Francis and Ann (Smith) Heffron, on the Heffron Family Farm in Georgetown, Iowa, and he died in that same home on May 18, 2025.
Joe was a graduate of Georgetown High School, class of 1953. He married Catherine Irene “Kareen” McCarty on April 29, 1961 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Within this union they raised two children, Joe and Kevin. Joe served in the Army, stationed in Germany from 1954-1955. During his free time there, he took the opportunity to travel to many sights in Germany and surrounding countries. He worked at John Deere as a welder, and was also a life long farmer. Joe spent much of his spare time reading about the latest trends and educational breakthroughs on herdsmanship, and being a good steward to his farm. He was a charter member of the Georgetown 4-H Club, a career member of the Monroe County Farm Bureau, a charter member of the Monroe County Cattleman’s Association, and a charter member of the Cornbelt Cow/Calf Conference.
He had a passion for aviation and took flying lessons to the point of being able to fly solo. He also planned many trips for his wife, Kareen, and himself. They were fortunate to be able to travel to all 50 states and make a special trip to Ireland. It was commonplace for Joe and Kareen to take off on unplanned adventures. At the end of the driveway, they would say to each other, “Right or left?” and the adventure would begin. Joe always enjoyed a good joke and didn’t mind telling a few himself. His laugh and smile at making someone else laugh was priceless.
Joe is survived by his wife, Kareen, of 64 years; son, Kevin Heffron; daughter-in-law, Carol Heffron; grandson Cy (Shea) Heffron; granddaughter, Emma Heffron; sister, Helen (Heffron) McDermott; brother, Bob Heffron; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Joe was preceded in death by his son, Joe Heffron; his sister, CK Knowles, and parents, Francis & Ann Heffron.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia from 9-10:30 a.m., with a rosary conducted at 9:00 a.m., by St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary. A Mass of Christian Burial will also be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia with Father Issac Essel officiating, assisted by Father Tom Holder and Deacon Edwin Kamerick. Interment will follow the luncheon in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Georgetown.
Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick’s Cemetery, St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Welcome Home Soldier Monument.
