Roger F. Hefel
Roger “Rog” F. Hefel, 66, of North Buena Vista, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He lived with Parkinson’s for 15 years and never complained.
Visitation was Friday, June 23, at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home, Dubuque and one hour before services at the church hall.
Funeral services were Saturday, June 24, at Immaculate Conception Church in North Buena Vista, conducted by Fr. Marvin Bries.
Burial was at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, North Buena Vista, where military honors were conducted by Dyersville American Legion Post #137.
Roger was born Aug. 1, 1950, in North Buena Vista, the son of Edward and Rita (Ruden) Hefel. He graduated from Leo High School in 1968, then served in the U.S. Army being stationed in South Korea. Roger married Janet Riniker on Feb. 10, 1973, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Balltown. He worked for Flexsteel Industries retiring in 2007 after 37 years. Roger was a hard worker at Flexsteel and on his farm. He worked without top-notch equipment, he did his best and he was proud to be an owner of a Century Farm. He enjoyed fishing on the pontoon for crappies, deer hunting, a good party, singing, making homemade wine, going for road trips, and playing euchre. Roger and Janet enjoyed all the friendships they shared as a couple, traveling to Lake Sugema with family and friends, and having people together for fish fries while sitting around the campfire. Roger enjoyed and appreciated life to the fullest, spending time with the family and all the grandkids. He liked driving his John Deere Gator with his dog, Sheba, the only John Deere allowed on the farm, as he always said, “If it’s not red, leave it in the shed.” Roger never shied away from a good time with family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his wife, Janet; children, Scott “Cowboy” (Billee Jo) Hefel of Guttenberg, Krystal (Ken) Wedewer of Dubuque, Kara (John) Beck of Osterdock, and Abby (Tony) Davidshofer of Petersburg; nine grandchildren, Jackson and Parker Hefel, Claire, Mya, and Sophie Wedewer, Ava and Lauren Beck, Ella and Abel Davidshofer; siblings, Mary (Dave) Breitbach, Mark "Fritz" (Sue) Hefel, Helen (Richard) Deutmeyer of Luxemburg, Kay (Bill) Kreeb of Dyersville, and Carol (Gary) Wedewer of Petersburg; brothers-in-law, Tim Hayes of Dubuque, Butch (Diane) Riniker of Balltown, Roger (JoAnn) Riniker of Holy Cross, Ron Riniker of Dubuque; sister-in-law, Katie (Tom) Pancratz of Eldridge; and numerous nieces and nephews who he held a special place in his heart.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Jack and Bernice Riniker; brothers, Richard (Dick) in 1966 and Jim Hefel in 2013; a sister, Ann Hayes in 2016; a nephew, Ed Breitbach in 2015; and his beloved dog, Sadie.
The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice, especially Cindy, Jen, and Talia for her music, as well as Julie and Melissa, who provided loving care during Rog’s illness on his final journey, and the VA for all of their support and assistance.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfh.com.
