Michael "Mike" Heffron, age 76, of Maple Lake, died Monday, March 30, 2026, at Regency Hospital in Golden Valley.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Michael David Heffron was born on December 31, 1949, in Austin, Minnesota, to Kenneth and Eva (Johnson) Heffron. He was raised in Austin, where he graduated high school. Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.

On May 19, 1972, Mike and Kathleen Waalkens exchanged vows at Oakland Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, embarking on a journey of love that lasted over five decades. Together, they built a life filled with laughter and adventure, calling many places in Minnesota and Colorado home, before settling in Maple Lake in 1989.

Mike worked as a project manager in road construction for various companies. Beyond his career, his passions included fishing, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and pontooning on the lake, where he often shared stories and memories with family and friends.

A beloved figure to his family, Mike was affectionately known as "Grumpa" to his nieces, nephews, and their families. He cherished the moments spent telling stories to the little ones and enjoyed their company.

Mike is survived by his wife, Kathleen of Maple Lake; brother, Jon Heffron of Texas; nieces and nephews, Violet, Pam, Angie, Darwin, Paulette, David, Kris, Jim, Al, Kim, Mike, and nephew that he considered a son, Brandon Freeman; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Min (Paul) Westland, Helen Johnson, Dawn (Tim) Horst, Helen Johnson, and Louie Larson. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Greg; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Henrietta and Maurice Lysne, Roger Johnson, and Sal Larson.