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Mark Heffron Obituary
Mark passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 14, 2020 at the age of 66. He is leaving behind friends, family, gardens, photographs and untold stories. We will miss his presence; he was a bringer of joy, laughter, empathy, love, keen observation and passion of craft. His hands, heart, and mind were always helping others.
Born in Ida Grove, Iowa, Mark resided in the Milwaukee area for more than 40 years. Despite this, Mark was an Iowan through and through and he never lost his touch for a 20 minute goodbye. Mark leaves behind his loving wife, Jayne Heffron and children John Heffron and Hannah Lilly. He is survived by his siblings John, Matt, Mary, Ann and Luke, along with many nieces and nephews and other relatives.
Mark was an architectural photographer with a passion for capturing the complexities of light through stained glass. Waiting for the right light, the right sky, the right season for the angle of the sun, or climbing to the topmost reaches of St. Josaphat's Basilica's inner dome to record just the right image was a hallmark of how Mark lived his desire to create more beauty in the world.
Connected to family and friends throughout the world, Mark's ability to start a conversation with anyone was legend. Mark said it was about simply standing still and listening, and he did this with an eye always to how he could connect one person to another. Mark exemplified this at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, a second home, where he made it his mission to meet everyone who walked through the doors.
Family will greet friends for a visitation on Friday, February 21, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Feerick Funeral Home. A service honoring Mark's life will be held on Saturday, February 22, at 10:00 AM, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 2618 N. Hackett Avenue, Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark's name may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Heffron
Sponsored by Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood.
Heather Barker
August 2, 2022
Mark.. it's 2022 now, but your spirit and joy are always remembered and inspirational. I played viola in St. Mark's church again this week, and thought of you with joy!! Your passion for loving everyone in that community and beyond! Your tireless and quiet merriment and work to include anyone (including me) in community and conversation were unparalleled. The fact that we all still talk about you together, and think about you even more, is a testimony to your impact on our lives.
A gentle and effervescent soul... I miss you, and thank God for you...
Fianna Gran
February 24, 2020
Mark Heffron was like another grandpa to me. He was kind, filling the world with joy, and I know he will be sorely missed. But Mark would have wanted us to continue living on and sharing the same beauty with the world that he did. I will always remember him, and his kindness to me and others.
Tom and Diana Weisenburger
February 22, 2020
Our world has lost a wonderful human being. Mark was always so personable and easy to talk to and an excellent neighbor to our daughter and family. May he rest in peace forever. Our deepest sympathy to Jayne and family.
Jackie Turkal
February 21, 2020
Jayne, I was so sorry to hear about Mark's passing.
I remember when he came to the house to take pictures for BDC he was so excellent at what he was doing but easy to talk with. Your whole family has my sympathy.
Mary Chemotti
February 21, 2020
My experience with Mark's area of expertise was with his beautiful architectural images for the Alexander Eschweiler exhibition and catalog curated by Win Thrall at the Charles Allis Art Museum in 2007. In addition to making a video of printmaker Arthur Thrall in his studio, Mark photographed Thrall's artwork at the artist's expansive, posthumous exhibition at the Cedarburg Art Museum in 2016 where he also captured the interesting architectural details of the eclectic Victorian mansion. Best of all was getting to know Mark with this latter project. He was an amazing man, always reaching out to others in a funny, expressive way. Our lives have all been blessed with Mark's spirit of creativity, expertise, and generosity. His spirit will live on in the hearts of many. May his family be comforted by his enduring spirit and their many memories.
Beth Croswhite
February 21, 2020
So very sad to hear that Mark is gone. I cant imagine the heartache Jayne, John and Hannah must be feeling. He was such a creative soul. Mark helped us all see the beauty and humor in this world through his amazing work and passion. He will be missed.
Bruce Johnson
February 20, 2020
Mark, youve touched the lives of so many, that one more remembrance wouldnt have been missed, but because of our more than four decades of a friendship, I wanted to say something. Others will have commented about your caring attitude, your passion, and compassion, but i would like to underscore the success of a life lived with joy!
I dont recall exactly when we started to work together documenting BDC projects, but during that time you became an integral member of our team. There were supposed to be more opportunities for sailing together after our rendezvous with Jayne on Beaver Island so long ago.
Your dedication to the arts and architecture of the eastern half of the city, state, is legendary, yet I would be delighted by a call, a text or image of your latest discovered gem. You were so caring in giving of your time to your friends, your countless hours spent compiling images for Dans memorial is just one more example. Your striving to get that just right image led to a whole new world with the tripod, which has opened a whole new world of beauty for the rest of use to enjoy.
Life is eternal; you have so profoundly to that truth! If anyone sees this tonight or tomorrow,
please give Jayne a great big hug from Bruce. Thank you! Unfortunately Im stuck here in Pensacola. Mark, did we ever talk about Pensacola? xo
Dennis and Jan Kwiatkowski
February 20, 2020
Dennis and I send our sympathy and prayers. We remember Mark's genuine curiosity about and caring for the people around him, as well as, his passion for social justice.
Michelle Schara
February 19, 2020
Jayne, Were so sorry to hear about your dear husband. May his memory be for a blessing.
The Schara Family
TJ and Tam Little
February 19, 2020
Mark will truly be missed by everyone in the Sheffield neighborhood. He always reached out to everyone and was the perfect example of a great neighbor and true friend. How fitting that he is wearing a blue shirt. The color Blue symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. That says it all.
Catherine Davidson
February 19, 2020
The shinning light of Mark Heffron will remain with us forever and ever! Feel the warmth and glow . I believe his Spirit is with us.
Chris Petrie
February 18, 2020
I first met Mark 33 years ago when he and John lived behind us on Farwell Avenue. I remember clearly when Jayne and Hannah moved in and our neighbor had a BBQ so we could meet them. Mark was a Boy Scout leader to my son's group and most generous with his time. I also spent many hours with Mark at St. Christopher's Church, where he again gave so generously of his Christian love and talents. We shared our love of Iowa. I cherished Mark's book on the Bridges of Madison County (photographs). But most of all, I remember how kind he was to all--a beautiful spirit indeed. The heartbreak of his passing is tremendous. Hugs and love to Jayne, John, and Hannah, and his extended family.
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Memorial Events
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Feb
21
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood2025 East Capitol Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211
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Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood2025 East Capitol Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211
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