Carolanne Effinger, 72, of Rensselaer, passed away at her home on Thursday, April 21, 2016. She was born in Rensselaer on July 24, 1943, daughter of the late Robert G. Williams and Lois Maxine (May) Williams. She graduated from Monticello High School with the class of 1961 and went on to study Education at Ball State University. On July 9, 1966, in Remington, she married her husband of over 49 years, Thomas J. Effinger.

Carolanne was a kindergarten teacher for twelve years. She also worked as a Teacher’s Aide at the North Newton Schools for two years, and at the Rensselaer Schools for eight years, retiring in 2000. She was a distinguished Fellow of St. Joseph’s College; a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Christian Women’s Society, and the Rensselaer Quilting Society. She enjoyed quilting and taught quilting classes at the Fountain Park Chautauqua for ten years. She enjoyed reading to children and spending time with her family. Carolanne devoted her life to children and worked for the betterment of the schools and her community.

Carolanne is survived her loving family: husband, Thomas J. Effinger; one son, Joseph G. Effinger (wife: Michelle Taylor Effinger); two daughters, Julie A. (Effinger) Martin (husband: Max Brady Martin) and Jennifer A. (Effinger) Mars (husband: Mark H. Mars); four grandchildren: Cameron Mars, Stephanie Martin, Alonzo (A.J.) Martin, and Michael Joseph Effinger; two sisters, Janice K. (Williams) Evans (husband: Bill Evans) and Anna (Williams) Dimmitt (husband: Harold Dimmitt); and one sister-in-law, Theresa Effinger. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert G. Williams and Lois Maxine Williams.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. (CDT) at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Rensselaer. Father Don Davison officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolanne’s memory are suggested to: Gibault, St. Augustine Catholic Church, St. Augustine Catholic School, or Franciscan Home Health Care & Hospice. Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer is handling the arrangements. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.

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