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Thomas Effinger
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Steinke Funeral Homes
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
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Chuck and Jackie Malchow
"So sorry for your loss. Always seen him at McDonald's and enjoyed our visits. He"
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The Day Family: Dave, Marge, and Pat
"May Tom find the Peace among God and his angels that he sought on Earth."
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Kathy and Ron Moore
"Joe and Shell and Michael we are so sorry for the loss of your father and grandf"
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Gayla Warran
"So sorry for your loss."
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Kendell & Tammy Culp
"The Rensselaer community lost a true friend and educator, impacting countless st"
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Kevin & Cheryl ArmstrongSo sorry for your loss
"So sorry for your loss "
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Kevin & Cheryl ArmstrongSo sorry for your loss
"So sorry for your loss "
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Tony Reffelt
"Sorry to learn of Tom's passing. Condolences to his family."
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Regina warfel
"Sorry for your loss. He was a great man who was family and community oriented. R"
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Don & Gloria Waymouth
"Our sincere sympathy to all of you."
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Ron Hummel
" A Great man, leader, friend, father and person. God bless! "
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Marianne (Reutebuch) Sharp and Robert Sharp
"We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father, you have our condolences! We"
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Mike Steinke
"Joe, Julie, Jennifer and family, So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed a nice visit"
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Diana Cover Brown
"Tom was a wonderful person. Many great memories with him. I'm sad. Condolences t"
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Jerry and Beth Hammond
"Great man and teacher, a real asset to the community, will be missed "
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Joann Skinner
"Keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
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Cindy Sheffer
"Sorry For Your Loss,Tom Was A Great Man,And A Great Neighbor!Thoughts And Prayer"
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Terry Taylor Spurgeon
"Joe and Michelle- I am so sorry about Tom. You are in my prayers."
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Obituary for Thomas J. Effinger

Thomas J.  Effinger
Thomas Joseph Effinger, 74, of Rensselaer, Indiana passed away at his home on Saturday, June 17, 2017. He was born in Winamac, Indiana on June 17, 1943, the son of Carl Joseph Effinger and Hilda R. (Reutebuch) Effinger. He was a lifelong area resident.

He graduated from Rensselaer High School with the Class of 1961 and served in the Indiana National Guard and Army Reserves as a non-commissioned officer from 1963-1969.

On July 9, 1966, in Remington, Indiana, he married the love of his life, Carolanne (Williams) Effinger. She preceded him in death on April 21, 2016.

He was a graduate of Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He went on to attend Indiana University in Bloomington where he graduated with his master’s degree in education. He was also a graduate of the Indiana State Principal’s Academy in Indianapolis. He was a lifetime member of both the Saint Joseph’s College Alumni Association and the Indiana University Alumni Association.

Tom was a teacher and principal for the Rensselaer Central School Corporation for 38 years, retiring in 2003. He served as the Superintendent of Parks for Rensselaer from 1967-1992. After his retirement, he was a grant writer for Rensselaer from 2003-2010.

Tom devoted his life to the community. He served on many boards for the city, schools, and other civic organizations. He was a Distinguished Fellow of Saint Joseph’s College; an active member of Saint Augustine Catholic Church; a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus; a member of American Legion Post #29; auxiliary member of VFW Post #1279; member of the Rensselaer Community Recreational Development Corporation; member of the National Park Board; and a member of the Jasper County and Indiana Retired Teachers Association.

Tom is survived by his loving family: 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 (AJ) Martin, and Michael Joseph Effinger; one great-granddaughter, Lilian Roze Mars; one sister, Theresa J. Effinger; and two sisters-in-law: Janice K. (Williams) Evans (husband: Bill Evans) and Anna (Williams) Dimmitt (husband: Harold Dimmitt).

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Carl J. Effinger and Hilda R. (Reuthebuch) Effinger; and his wife, Carolanne (Williams) Effinger.

A Funeral Mass honoring Tom’s life will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 11 a.m. (CDT) at Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Rensselaer. Father Don Davison officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Friends are invited to visit with the family prior to the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 9-10:45 a.m. (CDT) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to: Gibault Children’s Services, Saint Augustine Catholic Church, and Saint Augustine Catholic School. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas J. Effinger, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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