Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Following his military service, he built a career in construction, where he operated heavy machinery. He retired from Kokosing Construction, but his passion for the work and for helping others continued. Even after retirement, Gerald continued to teach and educate new workers, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation.
Gerald’s greatest joy was the life he shared with his wife. The two met while dancing, where she was known as the “Jitterbug Queen.” Together, they enjoyed 55 beautiful years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and travel.
He was a member of Mansfield First Friends Church. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoyed many interests throughout his life. An avid game-show fan, he especially enjoyed watching The Price Is Right and Let’s Make a Deal. He trained and owned harness racing horses and was also the proud owner of a semi-truck.
Gerald will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren for his special talent of wiggling his ears, a simple trick that never failed to bring smiles and laughter. A devoted husband, proud Marine, hardworking teacher, entrepreneur, and beloved grandfather, Gerald lived a full and meaningful life. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Jane Heflen; daughters, Traci (Dana) McCathran and Michele New; grandchildren, Ashlea (John) O’Bryant, Codea McCathran, Amber (Jeremy) Dotson, Matthew (Kelly) Heflen, Dustin (Brooke) Lane, and Rachel (Seth) Brown; numerous nieces and nephews; great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren with another on the way; other extended family members, and close friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; children, Michael Heflen and Sherry (Randy) Ramey; grandchildren, Courtni White and Brandon Ramey; sister, Donna Secrist; brother, Renald Heffelfinger; and sister, Geri Ann Risner.
Family and friends are invited to visitation from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington Springmill Rd., Ontario, OH 44906. The funeral will follow at 1:00 pm, officiated by Pastor Chad Berry and Pastor Joey Pfeiffer. Gerald will be buried at Bellville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mansfield First Friends Church, 571 Logan Road, Mansfield, OH 44907 or New Liberty Church, 2705 Lexington Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44904.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to VA/hospice nurse, Alec; aides, Marty and Jodell; and chaplain, Josh. They were angels in disguise and are now considered part of our family.
Wappner Funeral Directors – Ontario is honored to serve the family.
