Charles A. "Charlie" Heffern, 84, of rural Iola, Kansas, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2015, at the Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola. Charlie was one of 12 children born to James and Theresa (Koenig) Heffern on August 29, 1931 at Piqua, Kansas. He grew up in Piqua and served in the Kansas Army National Guard. On April 22, 1963, Charlie married Bernita (Kress) West in Iola. They made their home in Iola before moving to their farm southeast of town. He farmed and retired from the City of Iola electrical department. Charlie was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Iola, and a 65 year Knights of Columbus member, serving as a 4th Degree Knight. He loved his family and he loved to garden. SURVIVORS: His wife of almost 53 years: Bernita Heffern of the home 8 Children: Kenneth C. West & wife, Linda of Washington State, Therese E. West of rural Iola, Steven L. West & wife, Bonnie of Chanute, KS, Cathy West of Admire, KS, Mary "Liz" Lewis & husband, Brian of Coral Gables, FL, Chuck Heffern & wife, Linda of Iola, Larry Heffern & wife, Mary of Topeka, KS, and Barbara R. Nelson & husband, Robert of Gridley, KS 22 Grandchildren & 7 Great Grandchildren 1 Brother: Fr. Colman Heffern of Pecos, New Mexico 1 Sister: Joan Massoth of Springfield, MO He was preceded in death by his parents, and 9 siblings, William, Leonard, Frank, Roger, James, Mildred, Margaret, Tillie and Sister Carmel. VISITATION: 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. PARISH ROSARY: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, at St. John's Catholic Church in Iola, prior to mass. FUNERAL MASS: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, at St. John's Catholic Church in Iola. BURIAL: St. John's Cemetery, Gas, KS MEMORIAL: Catholic Diocese of Wichita Seminary Fund Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.