Janet Evelyn Heffelfinger

Janet Heffelfinger, 87, was born in Hamburg MN on September 24, 1936. When she was in 3rd grade, she moved to Robbinsdale where her father was a successful chicken farmer and her mother, a home maker, artist, and gardener.  

She was preceded in death by her Father and Mother, Edwin and Veronica (Tholen) Huepenbecker, Brother Dave and his wife Beverly Huepenbecker, former husband, Charles K. Heffelfinger, daughter-in-law Terri Heffelfinger, and grandson, Danny Heffelfinger. 

Janet attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Robbinsdale, graduated from Saint Anthony of Padua and went on to earn her RN from St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul. She was a Labor and Delivery nurse, something she loved doing, for more than 30 years. She was also instrumental in getting a Baby Loss Support Program and Memorial Wall started for families going through the loss of a baby after losing her own infant grandson, and she taught Lamaze classes. All while raising her own 5 children, something she took great joy in doing and they each loved her very much.

She is survived by her sons Curtis Heffelfinger and Michael (Susan Albers) Heffelfinger, and daughters Susan Hyland, Pamela (Dale) Seamans, and Kimberly (Ettien) Koffi. Plus, 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren along with their spouses, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

She loved to play 500 and Bridge, work in her yard, read, travel, dance, go to church, spend time with her family, and friends, and share a meal with those she loved. A woman of faith, she loved the Lord Jesus and taught us all what it meant to pray for, forgive, serve, and love others well. She was present, even when it was hard—she was a strong woman who lived gracefully and honestly, and was always learning. She volunteered at St. Joseph’s Parish for many years in Eucharistic ministry, for funerals, and helping with events. She also hosted Bible Studies, holiday celebrations, and Duk Duk Daze summer reunions at her home on Northwood Parkway in New Hope where she lived for more than 52 years until moving into St. Therese of New Hope and, later, St. Therese of Oxbow Lakes. 

We all loved her dearly and will miss her greatly. We trust in the words of the Apostle Paul who said, For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. I Thess. 4

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Saturday, August 31, 2024, at St. Joseph Parish Center, 8701 36th Ave N., New Hope. Visitation at church one hour prior to Mass. Interment Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope.