John Gerard Heffron

John Gerard Heffron John passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the age of 69 years. Born in Ida Grove, Iowa, to Joseph and Frances Heffron, John was the oldest of six children. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from Loras College, John pursued a master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, but left before defending to begin a lifelong career in computer programming. At the forefront of digital mapping, graphical representation, and software architecture, John founded his own software development and consulting company, which he ran for 32 years with the support of his wife, Susan. After a three decade interlude, John finished his master’s degree in industrial engineering at UWM. Devoted husband to Susan and beloved father to Erin, Joseph, and Sarah, John loved programming, music, travel, and spending time with his grandchildren: Ione, Ellory, Gwendolyn, Olin, Eleanor, and Hyla. John had a well-worn library card and a new book recommendation every week. John is survived by brothers Matt and Luke and sisters Mary and Anne, and he is preceded in passing by his brother Mark. The family will be hosting a gathering in John’s honor to be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at the Schlitz Audubon Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Bayside, with a brief memorial service at 5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Schlitz Audubon Center for the planting of a tree in John's memory.