Henry (Hank) Clarence Hefti, 85, of La Crosse died Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, at Hillview Nursing Home.

He was born Jan. 31, 1925, in La Crosse, to Peter and Hazel (Kitelinger) Hefti. As a young man, he spent lots of time at the family boathouse on the Mississippi River, swimming and fishing to his heart’s content. Hank was a WWII veteran, proudly serving in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946 on board both the USS Kershaw and the USS Yorktown. After leaving the armed services, he married Eula Daines on Sept. 19, 1947. Throughout his life he took great pleasure in music, whether it was listening to classic tunes from the 30’s and 40’s; singing/harmonizing with relatives at family gatherings; or dancing effortlessly to foxtrots, polkas, and waltzes. Hank was also a skilled craftsman and a Mr. Fix-It; he helped everyone with various repairs and remodels, and enjoyed creating special keepsake items in his workshop for both family and friends. A typical Midwestern American, he enjoyed the simplicity of a couple of beers and watching sports such as boxing, baseball, and football, especially the Green Bay Packers. During his lifetime, he was an active member of the La Crosse Clown Club, the La Crosse Legion Drum and Bugle Corps, the VFW, and the La Crosse Roy L. Vingers American Legion.

 

He is survived by his children: John (Bonnie) Daines, Jane (Gary) Lawrynk, Peter Hefti, Nancy (Larry) Lawrynk, all of La Crosse; sisters: Delores Duckworth,

Betty (Robert) Wilhelm, both of La Crosse; sister-in-law: Peggy Hefti of La Crosse; grandchildren: Dede Armstrong, Corissa Daines, Tony (Amy) Lawrynk, Tom (Jess) Lawrynk, Thad (Liz) Lawrynk, Laurie (Kurt) Jess, Jennie (John) Klar, Janet (Jeremy) Torkelson, Jennifer (Spencer) Saito, Matt Hefti; great-grandchildren: Derick, Hailee, Taylor, Shelby, Colby, Nicholas, Garrett, Emmeline, Joey, AnnaMae, Kephren, Tyler, Tanner, Lyndon, Kaylyn, Regan, and Nori.

 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Eula, his parents, brothers Cliff and Bernie Hefti, sisters Marie Powers and Hazel Wallace, and nephews Dan and Hal Hefti.

 

Memorial services will be Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4141 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse. The Rev. Roger Hjelle will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery with the American Legion Post 52 providing military honors.  Friends may call on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Coulee Region Cremation Group, La Crosse, is in charge of arrangements.