Curtis S. "Buster" Heft

Curtis Stanley “Buster” Heft of Sparta died Friday, October 30, 2026, in Alpine Township. Mr. Heft was born June 2, 1932, the son of Marvin and Marjorie (Helmka) Heft.

Buster grew up farming the family farm on 10 Mile Road and working for others, such as sorting apples for Crawfords. Buster was a veteran of the Army, serving in the Korean conflict. He completed training at the Army Heavy Equipment School and worked building roads and runways in Hawaii. After returning from the army, he worked in partnership with his brother Dick to continue the family farm. He also drove truck for Ed Pitsch hauling apples. He used his army training to get a job with Emelander Construction and built roads all over Kent County. He became the foreman and was proud to be very skilled at finish grading. After almost 20 years Emelander’s shut down, and Buster returned to driving truck. He worked for Direct Transit, eventually as an owner operator, for almost 20 years until his retirement.

In retirement Buster and his wife Dee spent winters in their RV, usually in Rockport, Texas, for many years.

Buster was very thankful for all the friends and relatives who helped him in many ways and those who assisted him in getting around. We thank everyone who visited with him and supported him so many times.

We will miss his stories, comments, and discussions.

Surviving are his wife, Dee Heft of Sparta; Dee’s son, Tim and Doreen Conant of Bailey; Dee’s daughter, Kim Cozza of Grand Rapids; daughter, Sue Heft, of Grant; son Russ and Kerry Heft of NY; sister, Judy and Butch Hamernik of Grant; sister-in-law, Mary Lou of Sparta, and many nieces, nephews, grandkids, great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his four brothers, Roger, Don, Marv, Dick and two sisters, Louise Palczewski, Bevra Kremer.

The family will greet friends 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 7 at K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs with the funeral to follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment Blythefield Memory Gardens.