Dr. John C. Heffernan

Grimes - Dr. John Cornelius Heffernan, 71, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2020. Services will be held at a later date. Burial will take place Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at Calvary Cemetery in Emerson, NE.

John was born April 10, 1948, in Sioux City, IA, to John and Bernice (DeRoin) Heffernan. He married Karen (Hof) Heffernan on August 10, 1980, in Maquoketa, Iowa.

He was beloved by his patients and staff. He was a mentor to several physician and fellow physician thought highly of him and sought him out for advice. John began his career in 1989 at Penn Medical. He served as Chief of staff of ILH in 1995 and again in 2010. He served on ILH Medical Executive committee for several years. He received his degree in Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine and the University of Iowa School of Pharmacy prior to this.

John is survived by his wife, Karen Heffernan; children, Kimberly Heffernan of Des Moines, IA, and Michael J. (Tiffany) Heffernan of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Taylor Heffernan, Mackenzie Heffernan; brother, Joseph Heffernan of CA; nephews, Dr. Eric (Sara) Peterson of Sioux Falls, SD, Andrew Peterson of Sioux City, IA; niece, Dr. Katie (Eldon) Bensen of South Sioux City, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Peterson.

Contributions may be made to the in lieu of flowers to the Iowa Foundation and Lutheran Hospital-Children and Adolescent Psychiatric Care Unit. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Mar. 17 to Mar. 18, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Heffernan

Sponsored by Iles Dunn’s Funeral Home.

13 Entries

Gregory Zanelli, MD

August 5, 2022

I was a classmate at Ross and we did our clerkships in Chicago. Every Friday was basketball after class and Hef (as we called him) was fun to play against. We hadn't talked in years but he was classy and kind as a friend and physician. RIP Hef.

Alan Bjork

March 21, 2020

John was my doctor for over 20 years and my father's doctor before that. He understood that before you can care for some one you have to care about them. My appointments with John not only consisted of receiving his expert medical care and advice, but also time spent talking about family, everyday life, and sports, particularly basketball. I will miss him a lot but feel fortunate to have been his patient and friend over the years.

Wayne Van Heuvelen

March 21, 2020

I am so sad to learn of John's passing. Although we talked about health related issues often, I came to know John through regular pick up basketball games. He was obviously a tremendous natural athlete but more importantly just a really great guy.

He will be missed by so many.

Wayne Van Heuvelen
Urbandale

David Thrasher

March 21, 2020

I remember being at a fundraising auction. I don't remember exactly what the cause was, but I do remember John speaking at the event. He talked about a time when the east side of Des Moines did not have a hospital and how residents had to travel a distance to get help at a hospital on the west side. I just remember how uncharacteristically emotional he was when recounting this, how much it revealed what a deeply caring person he was, and how it made me admire him all the more. I'm glad I got to spend time with him and be part of his life.

Phyllis Carey

March 21, 2020

I was a patient of Dr Heffernan and I admired him and his great personality. He always had a kind word and liked to tease. The world is going to be a lesser place without him. He will be sorely missed. My condolences goes out to his family.

March 19, 2020

Karen- I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a kind man and great Dr. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences. Natalie Martin

March 19, 2020

I have been a patient of DR. H. (as I called him) since 1987. He was the best doctor I've ever been to. He was caring, passionate, understanding and kind to his patients. Gosh, I will miss him so much.

Sending my heart felt prayers to his family. May God be with you during this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dr. H. may you RIP.

Your patient, Linda

Brenda Hanson

March 18, 2020

I met Dr. Heffernan when he was in practice with Dr. Korte in Pleasanthill. What a sweet man, with a "good bedside manner".

Dick Nelson

March 18, 2020

Dr. John was my doctor for many years and my friend, He went with me on Canadian fishing trips twice and I treasured his friendship. Loosing him makes me feel very sad and I know that is shared by a very large group of patients, staff, friends, and family. My condolences to Vera and family. Dick Nelson

March 18, 2020

Dr. Heffernan was my mother's doctor and treated her much as he would have treated his own mother. His sense of humor always made her smile and his compliments could almost bring her to a blush. i am so grateful for his care of her and his patience with me. verla kellar

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Vickie Anderson

March 18, 2020

Dr. Heffernan was my physician for many, many years. He was kind beyond words, and he was a capable and brilliant diagnostician. He never said an unkind word about anyone. When I moved a year ago to live closer to my son, I grieved the loss of Dr. Heffernan as my doctor. Now I grieve the loss of this fine and gentle man. I loved him. Rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his wife and family.

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