BOONE, Iowa—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.
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