Richard A. Heft, age 59, died Saturday, August 9, 2014 at his home in rural Beaver Dam.
Visitation for Richard will be at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home, N7199 North Crystal Lake Road in Beaver Dam, on Thursday, August 14, 2014 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. There will also be a visitation at St. Katharine Drexel Church, 511 South Spring Street in Beaver Dam, on Friday, August 15, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at church on Friday at 11:00 AM with Fr. Michael J. Erwin officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.
Richard was born on June 3, 1955 in Trenton, Michigan to Oliver and Joyce (Dolinski) Heft. On August 23, 1974, he was united in marriage with Jeanne M. Lauer in Clinton, Michigan. Richard served in the United States Military for 35 years including in Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom; through these years, he was involved in fire and rescue in the Navy, the Air Force, and the National Guard. Richard retired as Fire Chief at Truax Field in Madison in 2006; in retirement, he worked as a Fire Inspector in Fitchburg. Richard had a passion for music; he not only played the guitar and sang with several bands, but also anytime there was an open mic and an audience he was ready to entertain. He was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church and the National Fire Association.
Survivors include his wife, Jeanne Heft of Beaver Dam; three children, Adrian (Christina) Heft of Beaver Dam, Nathan (Patrice) Heft of Beloit, and Joshua (Brigett) Heft of Port Washington; his mother, Joyce Heft of Wyandotte, MI; his brother and sister, Eric (Debbie) Heft of Gladwin, MI and Kathy Heft of Wood Haven, MI; five grandchildren, Adam and Joseph Heft, Jericho Heft, and Aubrey and Caleb Heft; nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his father, Oliver Heft, and his sister, Jill Heft.
If desired, memorials may be made in Richard Heft’s name to St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Beaver Dam
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com
