Patrick Heffernan

     Patrick Jerome Heffernan was born on July 26, 1932, in Dunlap, Iowa, to Daniel and Margaret (Gaughan) Heffernan. He grew up in Dunlap, graduating high school in 1952. After graduating, Pat joined the United States Navy. He married Eileen Kreitman on October 12, 1957 in California. The couple lived in California for a short time and then moved to Omaha, Nebraska, followed by Denison, Iowa, and finally settling in Dunlap, Iowa in the early 60’s. Throughout his life, Pat held a variety of jobs, always being willing to work hard and learn something new. He spent time working at a golf course in Omaha and IBP. He also worked part time as a police officer, school custodian, and employee at Bolhmann Quality Products. He truly was one of the hardest workers.

     Pat was a member of the Saint Patrick Catholic Church and the American Legion Post #224 in Dunlap. He enjoyed collecting family photographs, cutting wood, and spending time going to the cabin. Known for his sarcastic, dry sense of humor, Pat was always ready with a joke. Above all, Pat cherished his family and the time he got to spend with them.

     Pat died on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at the Dunlap Specialty Care Center at the age of 94 years, two months and 11 days.

     Pat was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eileen Heffernan; grandson, Aidan Green; 2 great-grandsons, Riley Beeck and Benny John Green; daughter-in-law, Amy Heffernan; five brothers and three sisters-in-law, Daniel and his wife Lee, Robert, Harold and his wife Lilly, J.L. and Ed and his wife Rita; and two sisters, Marge Fink and her husband Harold and Mary Wachter. He is survived by his eight children, Dan Heffernan and his wife Diane of Dunlap, Jodi Blom of Des Moines, Iowa, Brian Heffernan and his wife Paula of Dunlap, Colleen and her husband Chad Heistand of Dunlap, Rick Heffernan of Ute, Rob Heffernan and Becky Bell of Denison, Jim Heffernan of Dunlap and Maureen Heffernan and Jeff Malone of Dunlap; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.