Chris Michael Mehaffy, 71, of Burlington, died Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

Born July 17, 1954, in Burlington, he was the son of David W. and Jenny Lee Gabel Mehaffy. On September 16, 1978, he married Cindy Conard &nbsp;in Crapo Park in Burlington.&nbsp;

He graduated from Burlington High School and went on to further his education through trade school. Later in life, he also attended SCC.

Chris spent many years working for Burlington Northern Railroad as a “gandy dancer,” helping lay and maintain the tracks that kept trains moving.

Chris was an outdoorsman. He loved being outside; whether it be any type of hunting, trapping, fishing, or spending time along the river, where he felt most at home.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy Mehaffy of Burlington; three children, Chevonne Mehaffy of Cedar Rapids, Lucas (Sarah) Mehaffy of Mediapolis, and Noah (Alisha) Mehaffy of Mt. Pleasant; six grandchildren, Griffen, Ayla, Evelyn, Delayni, Bristol, and Vivian; brother, Steve Mehaffy of Burlington; and sister, Martha (Chris) Inghram of Burlington.

He was preceded in death by his parents.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2026/5/1777931004050.jpeg" alt="Chris M. Mehaffy" />
 <figcaption>Chris M. Mehaffy</figcaption>
 </figure>Chris Michael Mehaffy, 71, of Burlington, died Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.Born July 17, 1954, in Burlington, he was the son of David W. and Jenny Lee Gabel Mehaffy. On September 16, 1978, he married Cindy Conard &nbsp;in Crapo Park in Burlington.&nbsp;He graduated from Burlington High School and went on to further his education through trade school. Later in life, he also attended SCC.Chris spent many years working for Burlington Northern Railroad as a “gandy dancer,” helping lay and maintain the tracks that kept trains moving.Chris was an outdoorsman. He loved being outside; whether it be any type of hunting, trapping, fishing, or spending time along the river, where he felt most at home.Survivors include his wife, Cindy Mehaffy of Burlington; three children, Chevonne Mehaffy of Cedar Rapids, Lucas (Sarah) Mehaffy of Mediapolis, and Noah (Alisha) Mehaffy of Mt. Pleasant; six grandchildren, Griffen, Ayla, Evelyn, Delayni, Bristol, and Vivian; brother, Steve Mehaffy of Burlington; and sister, Martha (Chris) Inghram of Burlington.He was preceded in death by his parents.&nbsp;Services will be held at a later date.