Albert Hefner

Albert J. Hefner

Albert "Ace" Joseph Hefner, 81, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008 at Midland Hospice House from multiple health problems.  He was born August 25, 1927 at the family home in Little Russia, the son of Michael P. & Magdalena (VonFeldt) Hefner.  He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School & Capital Catholic High School (now known as Hayden).  He was a member of St. Joseph & Assumption Catholic Churches, Knights of Columbus Council 534 & the IAM Union.  He served in the US Marine Corps 1945-46.  Albert retired from AT&SF Railway where he worked 44 years as a Machinist.  Throughout his life he also worked at Liggett's, Stover's Produce, Morne's Poultry, Wingerson's Bakery, the Basket Factory, Union Pacific as a Switchman, the US Postal Service, Goodyear & many other industrious endeavors starting at a very young age.  Albert married Yvonne J. “Bonnie” Schwartz on May 4, 1950 at Assumption Catholic Church.  He and "Bonnie" were generous philanthropists.  Yvonne preceded him in death, Sept. 21, 2001.  Also preceding him in death was his sister, Mary Burghart.  Survivors include his daughters, Carol Ann Williams & husband Bruce, Marlene Hogan & husband Michael, Elaine Hefner DeCoursey & husband Tim and Julie Lang & husband Larry, all of Topeka, and Susan Hefner Lenhart & husband Walter of Clifton, KS, two brothers, Bernard Hefner and Francis Hefner & wife Carol, all of Topeka, seven grandchildren: Jennifer, Shane, Matthew, Brandon, Tim Jr., Holly & Brian and four great grandchildren: Brianna, Logan, Isabelle & Elizabeth.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.  He will lie in state from 4-9 p.m. Monday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends with a Parish Rosary at 6:00 p.m. & Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 p.m.  The family requests memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to St. Labre Indian School, St. Joseph's Indian School, or Holy Family Grade School in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 W. 6th St., Topeka, KS 66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.