Carol Jean Heffelfinger

Carol Jean Heffelfinger, 95, of Coldwater, was called home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ early in the morning on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at Grand Vista Assisted Living. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Coldwater with Pastor Aaron Chittick officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, December 5, 2022, from 4-7:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. Carol was born to Albert & Stella (Harwood) Scheck on Christmas Day, December 25, 1926, in Mesick, MI. She was their Christmas "Carol". Carol attended the School of Nursing at Butterworth Hospital, in Grand Rapids, proudly obtaining her RN certification in 1948. While working at Munson Hospital in Traverse City, Carol met a young medical intern by the name of John Christian Heffelfinger. They were married July 5, 1950, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City. Mrs. Heffelfinger was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and served in numerous other ways. She was a 4H leader, instrumental in developing the first Veterinary Science Club at the Branch County Fair, and in constructing the horse skeleton that was displayed at the fairgrounds for many years. Carol enjoyed baking and raising horses with the family. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker and loved being involved with her husband's and children's activities. Carol is survived by her children John (Kathleen) Heffelfinger of Albuquerque, NM, Ruth (Scott) Fisher of Peoria, AZ, Mary (Walter) Smith of Coldwater, Paul (Lisa) Heffelfinger of Ft. Wayne, IN; her grandchildren Andrew Heffelfinger, Caleb Fisher, Annaliese Fisher, Gretchen Bonkoske, Rachel Butcher, Laura Campbell, Alissa Higuera and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded by her husband John on July 5, 2003, her grandchildren Jennifer and Joseph Smith and her sisters Florabelle Grosvernor and Ruth Bardenhagen. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church. www.dutcherfh.com.