Thomas George Effertz, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 9, 2017 at his home in Owatonna, MN after a courageous battle with cancer Mass of Christian Burial is set for Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Brick – Meger Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral liturgy on Wed. Burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
He was born on March 15th, 1939 in St. Paul, MN to George and Eleanore (Blau) Effertz. Thomas grew up in LeSueur, MN. He graduated from LeSueur High School in LeSueur, MN in 1957. After high school he attended Mankato State University in Mankato, MN where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1962. His lifelong career in Insurance started in 1962. He received his CPCU designation in 1969. He was the owner of TPS Insurance. Thomas married the love of his life, Terri McClellan, on February 21, 1970 in Chanhassen, MN. They were happily married for 46 years. Thomas was a man of deep faith and the ultimate family man. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church. He was happiest when family; especially his kids and grandkids were around. He also enjoyed spending half the year at his second home in Florida sitting in the lanai, watching the sunset with a Heineken Light in hand. Not only was Thomas dedicated to his family and friends, but also to the community of Owatonna. He was Past President of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Owatonna Chamber Ambassadors, Past President of the Steele County United Way, Past President of the Owatonna Rotary Club, Past President of St. Mary's School, Past President Owatonna Civil Service Commission, Past President/Board Member Catholic Education Memorial Fund, Chairman of the Board of Black Forest Ltd. One of the original Founders of the Community Bank of Owatonna. He also served on the Board of Directors for Owatonna State Bank, Alexander Lumber Company and Target Training Systems, Inc. He was on the Advisory Boards of the Gainey Center, St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Company, Royal Insurance Company and Continental Western Insurance Company.
Thomas was preceded in death by his father George Effertz, mother Eleanore Effertz (Blau) sisters Susan Johnson (Effertz) and Roberta Plante (Effertz). Thomas is survived by his spouse Terri of Owatonna, MN; his son David (Cathy) of Owatonna, MN daughter Jennifer (Brent) of Bloomington, MN and son Joseph (Jana) of Owatonna, MN; His sisters Peggy Downs, Julie Engfer (Greg), Joan Donovan (Gary), Mary Effertz, brothers Dick Effertz (Sharen), George Effertz, Bill Effertz (Susie), his grandchildren Luke Effertz, Madi Effertz, Dalton Millikin, Tyler Millikin, Ella Millikin, Eleanore Effertz and Charlotte Effertz, several nieces and nephews and other relatives. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Mary's School or Owatonna Homestead Hospice House Patient Care Fund. |