Adeline M. Heffling, 86, of Sparta, died Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Sparta.   

       Adeline was born on June 17, 1920, in Blenker, Wis., where she spent her childhood until her graduation from Auburndale High School. She then moved to Milwaukee where she attended Miss Brown's Academy and worked for several years.

        Adeline married Frederick P. Heffling, Sr., on June 7, 1947, in  Milwaukee. They lived in Badger Village, Wis., until Fred's graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and then moved to Viroqua, Wis. In 1954, they moved to Sparta where Fred began his career with Monroe County Publishers, Inc.

        During their years in Sparta, Adeline worked at Rahr's TV, the State of Wisconsin Probation and Parole office, and in the law offices of Krembs and Ambelang. She then co-owned and operated Simplified Tax with Louise Sonday until she retired.

        Adeline was a founding member of St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary and an active member of the VFW Post 2112 Auxiliary, the American Legion Post 100 Auxiliary, St. Patrick's Church PCCW and the Sparta Chapter of AARP. She was a loyal ambassador for the City of Sparta and a friend to everyone. She loved sports, especially the teams from her beloved State of Wisconsin.

        Adeline is survived by her children: Barbara (Bruce) Williams of Prescott, Ariz., Frederick P. (Cheryl) Heffling, Jr. of Eau Claire, Wis., and Patrick (Cyndi) Heffling of Middleton, Wis.; four grandchildren: Jennifer Williams, Melissa (Santos) Franco, Andrew Heffling and Gregory Heffling; great-granddaughter Isabel Franco; and two step-grandchildren: Garrett Gonzalez and Jesse Gonzalez.

        She was preceded in death by her husband Fred Heffling Sr. on March 26, 1990; and by her parents, Louis and Barbara (Schafhauser) Tauscher.

        Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father James Leary OFM Cap officiating. Inurnment will be in La Crosse Catholic Cemetery.

        Family and friends are invited to call at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be offered to St. Patrick's Building Fund or the Barney Center, both of Sparta.

        The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.