Ira J. Hefta

Ira J. Hefta, 67, passed away at his home with his loving family and his 2 faithful dogs by his side. Ira was born on Christmas Day, 1953 to Isadore and Mildred Hefta in Grafton, ND. He graduated from Sheyenne High School, Sheyenne, ND in 1971. He moved to Fargo and met Mari Beth Johnston. They were married at First English Lutheran Church, Dorset, MN. Together they raised 2 boys, Andrew and Jonah Johnston. They lived in various locations; Seattle, WA, Sheyenne, ND, Fargo, ND and Dorset, MN. When they lived in Dorset, he worked for Clyde Johnson Construction for approximately 6 years. At about this time he began pursuing building construction, which later evolved into his own construction business, Hefta Homes. Ira later met his soulmate, Sue (Susie) Johnson and shared a life of 34 years together. Over the years, they raised several pets together who were near and dear to their hearts. Both Ira and Sue are greatly missed by their two beloved dogs, Obsidian and Onyx. Together with Susie, Ira hosted many memorable parties and good times with their families and friends at their home. In 2013, they lost their home to a devastating fire. In 2019, Sue passed away from a terminal illness, from which he never really recovered from. He cherished many memories from his life with her. Hobbies included: Good times with friends and family. He loved gardening and sharing his apples and his produce with his family. He enjoyed the camaraderie of hunting each year with his son, Andy Johnston and his family, late brother-in-law Jerry Johnson, and brother-in-law Marshall Johnston, along with special friends/neighbors; Breitbachs, Meyers and Randy Bakke. Ira was owner and operator of Hefta Homes of Park Rapids, MN. His master carpentry skills were of high demand in the area and will be greatly missed by loyal customers and several business associates. Ira was also known for his mangy beard in which he won the mangiest beard contest two years in a row in the Enterprise Jack Pine Savage beard contest. Friends also talk about when they surprised Ira and Susie with an Ira and Susie look alike contest in which Ira himself took 3rd place in his own contest. Ira’s wishes were to have no fancy ceremony or service. Family and close friends will remember Ira privately at his home and property at a yet to be determined time and date. Ira is survived by his mother, Mildred Hefta Henricksen of Devil’s Lake, ND, his brother, Wayne Hefta (Bonnie Wilcox) of Apache Junction, AZ, his brother, Arlynn (Cheryl) Hefta of Devil’s Lake, ND, sister, Mavis Elkins of Riverdale, ND. He is also survived by his son Andrew (Jolene) Johnston and family of Nevis, MN, son Jonah (Mahlee) Johnston and family of Milton, IA. Ira leaves behind grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews. Ira is proceeded in death by his father, Isadore Hefta, brother-in-law Ed Elkins, and step-father Gay Henricksen, and his soulmate, Sue Johnson.