Thomas Heffernan obituary

Thomas “Tom” Heffernan, of Lake City, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at Emplify Health by Gunderson in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Tom was born on November 23, 1933, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Thomas and Theresa (Ebel) Heffernan. He grew up in St. Paul and later served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.
Tom was well known in the Lake City community as the owner of Tom Heffernan Ford, where he built lasting relationships with customers and friends for over 50 years in business.
He had a lifelong passion for antique cars and greatly enjoyed restoring them and sharing his enthusiasm with fellow collectors and enthusiasts with his involvement in area car clubs. Tom was active in many local organizations and took pride in contributing to his community. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Lake City Sportsman’s Club, Kiwanis, and the Lake City Chamber of Commerce, where he formerly served as president. He was an honorary member of the Lake City Fire Department for his yearly donation of a vehicle for the Lake City Fireman’s Dance.  
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Marie; and his children Debra (Dean) Gray, Kim (Greg) Anderson, Janell (Jason) Swenson, Colleen (Eric) Rystedt, and Brookly (Joel Mann) Heffernan.
He is also survived by his grandchildren Noah (Melody) Schumacher, Daniell Kusilek, Brittany (Lucas) Baughman, Allison (Sam) Friesen, Kayleen (Zakk) Meyer, Anna Andresen, and Lydia Andresen; along with many nieces and nephews.
Tom was blessed with great-grandchildren Grace and Lucy Schumacher, Easton and Clara Baughman, Hugo and Milo Friesen, and Addy Montgomery, and a sister, Arlene Haferman.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jerry and Art Heffernan and twin daughters.
The visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake City, Minnesota. The Funeral Mass will be at 11  a.m. on Saturday, March 28, with Father Thé and Father James Russell co-officiating. The visitation will be on Friday, March 27, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Arrangements by Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel. Guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.