Arnold F. Hefte Boone, Iowa Obituary

Arnie Hefte

Arnold F. Hefte, age 93 of Boone, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone. Arnie was born on December 22, 1928 in Forest City, the only son of Arnold J. and Fern M. (Thompson) Hefte. Arnie was united in marriage with Courtney Kemp. From this union were three children, Donald, Ellen and Chris. Master Sargent Hefte served in the US Army for 20 years, including two years in Vietnam. MSG Hefte was in the third army HHC 2nd Infantry Brigade 101st Airborne Division, retiring in 1972. He was a decorated veteran awarded many medals, including the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with 8 Campaign Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. Following his honorable discharge, he moved to Boone, IA and started his business Heating, AC & Refrigeration. Arnie worked in the Boone, Ames and Ogden areas from 1972 until just a few years ago. He did a lot of work for local businesses and Iowa State University. Arnie was a tinkerer, able to fix any mechanical issues to get things running again. He spent retirement buying old tractors, motors and cars that were broke down to fix them up and sell them. Arnie enjoyed trips into Wilson’s Tap for coffee and pizza or a beer. His passion was riding his Harley with his dog, AJ. He loved Harley Davidson and collecting motorcycle memorabilia. Arnie was preceded in death by parents; wife, Courtney; sister, Darlene “Dolly” Leavens; brothers-in-law, Ed Nedved and Edgar “Pete” Curley; and his special companion, Shirley Williams. He is survived by his son, Don Hefte of Boone; daughters, Ellen Jackson of Estill Springs, TN and Chris (Rick) Irizarry of Mobile, AL; grandchildren, Dawn Marie Hefte, Kelly Hite, Heather Simons, Daniel Jackson, Jennifer Irizarry, Jessica Irizarry and Robert Irizarry; great grandchildren, Modesty and Cyrus Meaker, Lawson and Lincoln Simons, Ava Azzone and Cricket Connaughton; sisters, Kitty Nedved and Enid Curley; brother-in-law, Duane “Red” Leavens; along with many dear friends. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Moingona with Military Rites conducted by Boone County Veterans Council. A Celebration of Arnie’s Life will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at Wilson’s Tap. This will be a potluck, please bring a dish to share. Online condolences may be left at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com. Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets is in charge of arrangements.
December 22, 1928 - May 11, 202212/22/192805/11/2022
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Arnold F. Hefte
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Ron Doyle
October 24, 2022
A candle was posted for Arnold F. Hefte.
A candle was posted for Arnold F. Hefte.
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R
Ron Doyle
October 24, 2022
Arnie was full of life and would do anything if you were in need of a friend or a good kick in the back side. He always had a joke or a story to tell and would always offer you a drink if you were visiting him at the garage. Will miss our talks we had over the years. He a... Continue Reading
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Joe redeker
May 15, 2022
Lived next to Arnie in west Boone for sometime, he treated us like family, one of the nicest men we have ever known, he was always happy and never down always liked talking to him because of this, hard to do in todays world, thanks Arnie. Joe and Lori Redeker
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Melissa Baumbach
May 14, 2022
RIP Grandpa Arnie😢 U were a big part of my childhood and I will never forget u!! I have so many good memories with you my Grandma Barb Pearson and my Dad Jim before she passed in 93. So many good times out at your place with u and her. U gave me my first motor cycle rid... Continue Reading
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Pam Claussen
May 14, 2022
Arnie used to work on the ice machines at all the bars in Boone. Built himself a good reputation. Always enjoyed visiting with him. He was so laid back. RIP Arnie. You deserve it. ♡
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Beth Scharpenter
May 13, 2022
I'm got many fond memories of Arnie. He dated my mom when I was a teenager. He always had a joke. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
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