Gail E. "Heff" Heffelfinger

A Mass of Christian Burial for Gail held Monday, October 14, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska. A Rosary was prayed at 10:00 a.m. at the Church, prior to the Mass. Father Brendan Kelly & Father Ken Borowiak presided over the services. Agnes Anderson was the organist and Nicole Grubaugh was the Cantor and they accompanied the congregation in the singing of "Life High The Cross," "Amazing Grace," "On Eagle's Wings," and "How Great Thou Art." Pallbearers included Christopher Heffelfinger, Nicholas Heffelfinger, Andrew Heffelfinger, Michael Heffelfinger, Dylan Filipi, and Jacob Heffelfinger. Honorary Pallbearers included Megan Heffelfinger and Taylah Filipi. A Graveside Service was held in the Exeter Cemetery immediately following the Mass. Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Exeter Fire & Rescue or the St. Stephen Catholic Church. Gail Eugene Heffelfinger was born on September 2, 1936 to Robert Lee & Ruth Lucille (Bloodgood) Heffelfinger in Beatrice, Nebraska. He died on October 7, 2024 at York General Hospital in York, Nebraska at the age of 88 years, 1 month, and 5 days. The family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska when Gail was 7 years old. He graduated from Whittier Junior High, Teachers College High School, and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Following graduation, Heff, as he was affectionately known, taught and coached at Plattsmouth High School. It was at Plattsmouth that he met his future wife, Barbara Joan Barkmeier, who was also teaching in the same school. They were married on July 27, 1961 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska. Three children were born to this union: Gregg, Brad, and Lynne. Heff & Barbara were married for over 63 years. In May of 1963, the family moved to Exeter, Nebraska to manage and later purchase, Barkmeier’s, a grocery store and general merchandise store, from Barbara’s parents, Louis and Lucile Barkmeier. They operated the store until a storm in July of 1993 forced the closure of the business due to extensive damage to the building. After the closure of Barkmeier’s, Heff worked at Norm & Greg Yound’s grocery store in Exeter. Heff enjoyed fishing at the family cabin at Smokey L. Lake near Linwood, Nebraska. He was an avid fan of all UNL sports, particularly Big Red Football. He took pride in his home and lawn. Heff especially enjoyed following his grandchildren’s activities. Heff was a charter member of the Friend Country Club and enjoyed golfing there. He was also a longtime member of the Exeter Volunteer Fire & Rescue. His love of sports kept him involved as he umpired little league baseball games for nearly 25 years and ran the chains at football games for many years. Heff was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Ruth Heffelfinger; brothers & sisters-in-law, Douglas Heffelfinger, Richard Heffelfinger, Robert & Lyla Heffelfinger, and James & Sandra Heffelfinger; sisters, Patricia & John Weigang and Shirley & Edward Craren; brothers-in-law, Ed Smallman and Roger Johnson; nephew, Roger Johnson, Jr.; and infant twin brothers. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of York, Nebraska; sons, Gregg Heffelfinger & wife Theresa of Jacksonville, Florida, Brad Heffelfinger & wife Andrea of Papillion, Nebraska; daughter, Lynne Filipi & husband Brent of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandsons, Christopher, Nicholas, Andrew, Michael & Jacob Heffelfinger and Dylan Filipi; granddaughters, Megan Heffelfinger and Taylah Filipi; sister, Sandra Smallman; sisters-in-law Margaret Heffelfinger, Jeanie Heffelfinger and Suzanne Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Gail E. "Heff" Heffelfinger

September 2, 1936 - October 7, 2024