Lawrence P. "Larry" Heffern

PEORIA...Lawrence P. Heffern, 92, of Peoria, passed away at 9:17 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2011 at Rosewood Care Center in East Peoria surrounded by family. He was born in Lewistown, IL on August 20, 1918 to Daniel Patrick and Edna (Pittman) Heffern. He married Maxine Joanne Welch on April 5, 1941. She preceded him in death on January 18, 2009. They were married 67 years. Surviving are two children; Jo Ann (Charles) Dobbelaire and James (Jo Ann) Heffern; six grandchildren, Kimberly (John) Tyler, Ryan (Demery) Heffern, Rober (Susan) Bodtke, Pamela Bodtke, Michelle (Barry) Evans and Troy (Shannan) Dobbelaire. Also surviving are 7 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings. He was a World War II Navy Veteran. Larry worked the family farm until his marriage then moved to Peoria. Due to all his years hunting for food as a kid on the farm he became an excellent marksman and fisherman. He enjoyed hunting his whole adult life. He and his wife and young children spent most of their vacations up north fishing. The joy of fishing did not pass onto their children, but Larry and Maxine sure loved it! He started in sales at Chris Hoerr & Sons. He then worked at Springer Burklund for 30 years, many years as top salesman. Thanks to his gift of gab and wonderful, caring personality he was a very successful salesman and loved his customers. Larry and his wife took many trips after they retired but their favorite place was their winter home in Mesa, Arizona which they enjoyed for over 20 years. Our family feels very blessed to have had both Larry and Maxine for so many memorable years. He will be buried at Swan Lake Cemetery. Assisting the family is Affordable Funeral & Cremation of Central Illinois. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.