Warren Clarence Hefty, 87, of Burlington passed away peacefully May 6, 2013, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Nov. 14, 1925, in Burlington, to the late Peter and Sophia (Mikula) Hefty.
Warren was a devoted husband to Hazel for 66 years, a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
As the third oldest of 14 children, Warren left school at an early age to work on the family farm and help with his younger siblings. At age 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a Sergeant during World War II.
Following his military service, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Hazel J. Taylor.
Warren built a house next to the family farm where he and Hazel resided and raised their family. Warren worked for Cunningham-Buick as a mechanic/body technician until he fulfilled his dream of opening his own business.
On Sept. 1, 1960 he opened Warren’s Auto Body and was a successful businessman serving the community until his retirement in 2005.
Warren was an avid fisherman and in 1972, he and Hazel purchased a summer cottage on Upper Post Lake. They traveled to “Hefty’s Hide-A-Way” every weekend to fish.
Everyone who had the pleasure of Warren’s acquaintance knew fishing was an important part of his life. His fishing stories were endless and he often talked about one day catching “Big Moe.”
Warren wanted each grandchild to experience the life of a fisherman and nearly every weekend for years, would take one or two of the grandchildren to fish in “God’s Country.”
Warren is survived by his loving wife Hazel, children, Deborah (Randy) Martin and Lynnea (James) Rutkowski; daughter-in-law, Jeannie Hefty; grandchildren, Renee (Mark) Ludtke, Jamie (Kevin) Gill, Kelly (Michael) Meinen, Brett (Marta), Kevin (Rachel) Rutkowski, Shelley (Greg) Strohm, Brian (Ryan) Rutkowski, Jason and Nicole Martin; great-grandchildren, Paige, Cole, Alison, Katlynn, Autumn, Evan, Taylor, Tanner, Michala, Alexandria, Dakota, Tyler, Brilynn, Layla, Carson, Logan, Alexander, Oliver, Ethan, Ava, Jaxin and Hailee.
He is further survived by his siblings, Jerome Sr. (Jane), James (Jan), Margie Schoenberg and Barbara Droge; nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
He was further preceded in death by his son, Warren Jr.; brothers, Robert, Peter, Donald and infant brother John; sisters, Gladys, Joyce, Sophia, Marilyn and infant sister Delores.
A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday May 13, at the Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. Relatives and friend may visit with the family on Monday from 4 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Allay Home and Hospice, Burlington Rescue Squad or the Veteran’s Terrace.
Warren’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. George Krismer and the staff of Allay Home & Hospice for their care and compassion.
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