Gordon Hefta

Gordon James Hefta, 92, of Fargo, ND, died Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Villa Maria Care Center in Fargo. Gordon was born to Albert and Alma (Stenvick) Hefta, December 9, 1919, at Portland, North Dakota. He was the second oldest of 12 children. Gordon was raised in Portland and graduated from Portland High School in 1938. Gordon married Corinne (Bye) on April 30, 1944, in Hatton. They were married nearly 68 years. Gordon served in World War II from 1944 – 1946, with the Navy Seabees. He served the bulk of his time in the Pacific Theater on the island of Tinian. Gordon farmed for 30 years in the Portland area. He worked for the North Dakota Department of Transportation as Leadman in the Mayville-Portland and Hillsboro sections. Gordon was an active member of the American Legion and VFW. He served as a trustee of the Aurdal Lutheran Church of Portland and helped with Sunday School. Gordon and Corinne moved to Fargo in 2000. Gordon was greatly loved and admired by his family and friends. He was a hard worker, honest, kind and always put the needs of others above his own. He was an excellent example of a truly good man. His advice was “always to be kind to each other.” Gordon will be missed by his wife, Corinne; his sons, Rev. Donald (Barb) Hefta, El Reno, OK; Ron (Mary) Hefta, Falkirk, ND; and daughter, Connie (Scott) Carter, Mandan, ND; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Allen (Ardella) Hefta; Howard Hefta; Albert Jr. Hefta; Charles (Marlene) Hefta and sisters, Joyce (Kenneth) Johnson, Sylvia Osland; and sister-in-law, Judy (Bob) Bressler. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Allen; brother, Kenneth (POW Korean War); and sisters, Edith (Frank) Laney; Alice (Jay) Cooper; Norma (Charles) Lee; and his in-laws, Carelius and Emma Bye; and brother-in-law, Amos Bye. Funeral Service: Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 1:00 PM, at Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to the services at the church. Burial: Aurdal Cemetery, Portland, ND. Memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND., or the charity of your choosing.