Tuesday, June 1, 10:30 AM

Heffern, Jay passed away on May 21, 2021, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Jay is survived by his wife Signe who helped and supported him throughout the many years of his struggle with the disease. Jay is also survived by his daughters Alexis (Nick) Ergang and Lindsey (Bernie) Hanson, four grandchildren, Carter, Zoe, Hewitt and baby girl Hanson due this fall, his brother Parke (Jennifer) and sister Kathy (Mario) Ignagni, as well as many family members and friends. Jay was preceded in death by his parents Parke and Beulah Heffern, Sr. Jay graduated from DeLaSalle High School and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree and Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Minnesota. He served in the United States Air Force from 1968-1972. Jay believed in public service. After graduation from law school, he joined the Minnesota Attorney General's office where he practiced environmental law. Subsequently, Jay served as Deputy Executive Director (now Deputy Commissioner) of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and then General Council for the Metropolitan Council. In 1986, Mayor Sharon Sales-Belton named Jay as the Minneapolis City Attorney, a position he held until his retirement. After retirement, Jay worked on restorative justice issues. Jay received many awards and much recognition throughout his career. He was especially proud to be recognized in 2012 by the Minnesota State Bar Association with its Public Attorney of Excellence award and with his induction into the DeLaSalle Hall of Fame. Jay had many interests. He enjoyed live theater, cross country car trips, Irish music, Golden Gopher football, crossword puzzles and above all, he loved his family. The family is very thankful for the care Jay received from Drs. Siddhartha Yadav and Marcella Kaddoura and the nurses at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Punit Wadhwa and the staff at the Frauenshuh Cancer Center, as well as Annie Watson and the Methodist Hospital Hospice Care team. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady of Grace on Tuesday June 1, 2021, at 10:30 am with interment immediately following at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 31, 2021, from 3:00-6:00 pm at Washburn- McReavy Edina Chapel, as well as one hour prior to Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to DeLaSalle High School, One DeLaSalle Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55401 or Restorative Justice Community Action, 401 Groveland Ave #50, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100