Steven R. Effertz
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On February 2, 2021 @ 11:47 am In 2021,Obituaries | 22 Comments
Steven Raymond “Steve” Effertz, age 78, of Chaska, MN passed away peacefully on January 31, 2021 at Auburn Manor in Chaska. Prior to passing, his son and daughter filled the room with roaring laughter along with loving tears. His daughter returned later in the evening as he entered eternal life.
Steve was born on November 28, 1942 to Raymond and Lila (Wilcox) Effertz in Minneapolis, MN. Steven was the second oldest of four kids, with one brother and two sisters.
Shortly following high school, Steve was united in marriage to Maggie Mase and was blessed with three children, Tom, Dan, and Cindy before going their separate ways after 17 years. The children have fond memories of their annual 4th of July camping trips to Orr, MN where they learned to fish and ski. The children recall early morning wake ups to attend the MN State Fair every year as well. Machinery Hill was the highlight. Steve then shared the next 40 years of his life with his dear life companion, Ingrid Evanson. Together they shared a life on “the farm” and raised many dogs, cats, and numerous stray animals. They also hosted many parties that consisted of bonfires, spinning prime ribs on the Farberware, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, dirt biking, go-karting, and shooting clay pigeons.
Steve’s work career began as a freelancer/art broker for Naegele Advertising and numerous other advertisement agencies. He eventually named his business “Extra Effertz.” During that time, he did ad set up, graphic art, phototypesetting, and other tasks. His creativity and eye for detail remained strong as he and his brother bought a tree service. Steve loved the outdoors and this career path suited him well. The business was named “Family Tree Service.” Steve did tree work and landscaping up until he suffered a stroke on Jan. 27th, 2018.
Throughout his life, Steve was a collector. He was known for his countless vehicles, collector cars, jeeps, trucks, buses, a firetruck, RVs, and most importantly, Harleys. He loved riding motorcycles with his friends and family over the years. Steve also loved riding his bicycle for hours and hours and often made stops at his children’s homes along the way. Steve had a deep love for his grandchildren and shared a special bond with each one of them. Steve was also very fond of his nieces and nephews. He was an avid gym member and would be up before sunrise. His upbeat and contagious motivation was shared with many. Steve also loved bird watching and gardening. He kept the birdfeeder full and grew many vegetables and different herbs. He will also be remembered for his unbridled generosity. Steve donated to countless different charities and organizations and consistently cared for and loved all kinds of people, even those he did not know. That generosity extended beyond money as well. Steve is remembered for lending a helping hand and offering life guidance to those in need. His words of advice were instilled in many people along the way.
Always a free bird, Steve was accepting, non-judgmental, and had a huge heart. He will be greatly missed by his children, Tom (Heidi) Effertz, Dan (Silvia) Effertz, Cindy (Todd) Taylor; grandchildren, Paul (Anna) Effertz, Mason Effertz, Madeline Taylor, Emily Taylor; great-grandchildren, Norah, Charlie, and Carter Effertz; long-time companion, Ingrid Evanson; siblings, Paula (Dorothea Anderson) Effertz, Gina (Bill Ratzlaff) Weiner, Charlie Effertz; and other loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family of Steve want to extend a warm and loving thank you to Auburn Manor who cared for him so tenderly.
A tribute to Steve will take place on June 19, 2021, 11:30 am at Faith Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 12007 excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55343
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly cared for and served the Effertz family.
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Many great memories of Steve and family.
Myrtle Lake camping, tree work…patio parties at Don and Junes house.
Our sympathies to the Effertz Family.
Greg and Carol asebald
Rip Stump Man
So sorry to hear of Steve passing! What a GREAT GUY! I have so many memories with him. Worked with him way back in the Dutch elm time. He cut trees for my folks at their home and cabin! I PARTIED with him often! What fun we had!! I saw him just before Covid and talked with him on the phone when I couldn’t go see him anymore. We laughed for over two hours the last time I did get to see him in person!! He was one of a kind!! (If you don’t count his brother, Chuck) Rest In Peace my friend! My sympathies to his family! Love to all! ❤️
My deepest sympathies to Steve’s family and friends. I met Steve only once, but he was so charming and warm. Much like you, Tom and Cindy. This is a beautiful tribute. May you find comfort in your memories and love.
This is EXACTLY WHY I HATE FACEBOOK EVEN MORE. GOOD PEOPLE SHOULD LIVE FOREVER . Thanks to the family for posting and we would be all to gracious to send him home… on bike…. in his ever HARLY style. Hope you are doing well. and remember we are not in the land of the living waiting to die, we are in the the land of the dying waiting to live. and as always, he will live on with the grace and humility few have ever had.
God bless and hugs to all.
Pete and Sharron Bernhagen
Great, now I feel worse if that’s possible. I thought his celebration was in mid July. Oh well, he knew exactly what he meant to me . He is the only person to truly step up and offered his “medicine” to ease my pain. I was forever grateful. I miss his iconic lookand personality. It would have been nice to see his family. God bless his children and grandkids.
Uncle Steve was such a great guy!
Thanks for lending me your car back in ‘88.
Always helpful, generous and fun to be around.
Love & miss you lots, safe journey my friend.
Condolences to all of you family & friends ❤️Eric
(Ingrid’s oldest nephew)
May you rest in peace Stump man, sending healing strength and prayers to all his family and friends, he was loved by many.
My good friend who will be missed by me and everyone who ever had the good fortune of knowing him. I cherish over fifty years of memories. I offer my condolences to family and friends. To Chuck and Tom especially, my thoughts are with you.
The obit article is a lovely tribute to a very sweet man. We last talked in August and he radiated his warmth. We both extend our comforting wishes to his family and friends. Rachel and Mickey
Steve has been missed by us the last 2 years and will be forever missed! We all enjoyed his colorful sense of humor and attitude! RIP Stump Man
Tim Krueger Family
Rest In Peace Steve you lived life to its fullest. The last time I seen you we went riding together and we had a blast. My condolences to Tom,Cindy and family and a special heart felt hug to my dearest of friend Danny, God bless to all Steve’s friends and family.
Wishing you peace as you celebrate Steve’s life. It was a pleasure to know him, even just a little. Rest well!
Rest in peace stumpy you are the greatest lot of humor with you condolence to the family
Here’s to Stump Man! I really miss you man. Miss your “drive-bys”. And hanging out in the yard with the trees. When I’m outside and looking at the trees (and something always needs attention), I find myself thinking “What would Effertz do?”
Very glad for the time we had together. Hope you took Allis with you. Peace out.
Steve was a big part of my life I’ll miss hi. Forever every one nose me as woodchuck steve gave me that nick name when I was 17 and it stuck with me and we went to Florida and work hurricane relief Steve Tom and Tbone and Tim non as Timer the Climer and I I’m grateful for the time we spent together and the many years I work for Steve he taught me so much and he was such a awesome man and a good person had a hart of gold so if Tom or Cindy see this or read this could you give Woodchuck a call please 763 290 2063 I just found out I talk to him just before he passed thank u
Had many many memories of Steve and his family first as neighbors and secondly up in Orr Mn at Myrtle lake! What fun we always had and Steve…….was usually at the heart of it! Truly a “free spirit” from day one. I also worked for steve with his tree business for a few summers when I was out of HS and going to Trade School. Damn hard work as well as a lot of fun doing it with him. I wish he and his family well. NOTHING but fond memories with that bunch! RIP Steve Effertz…………………
Steve Effertz and I were like brothers. We worked together for over forty years on projects and never had an argument. We were the same age, lived similar lifestyles, had the same values, worked alike, thought alike, and even looked alike. Some of our customers thought we were brothers! We hunted deer together in Isabella and he really enjoyed my sled dogs. When I went to Utah to give rides he lent me his trailer tire for a spare. So he knew I’d be safe on the trip. That’s the kind of friend he was. He insisted on helping me whenever he possibly could. I called him last Christmas to wish him well and see how he was doing. He told me he was getting better finally, and could use his leg better. He thought he might be able to go back to work this summer, and we talked about doing our long-planned entrance to the golf course of mystic lake. There is no way I could even begin to replace him in my life and I am certain I will miss him dearly everyday for the rest of my life. God bless brother and I’ll see you soon.
I just returned from Florida for the winter and tried to connect with Steve. I was unaware of Steve’s passing. I am so sorry to hear about Steve. I knew Steve through The Cullinan group and Steve did some tree removal for me over the years. Steve was a great man with a heart of gold. My sincere condolences to the Effertz family. Steve will be greatly missed by many. I’m so sorry for your loss.
We just got a call from Dwight and had not heard of Steve’s passing. We are heartbroken. So many good times with him. He created so many beautiful landscaping projects at our home. We would just let him go for it! He would call and say – hey lynnie , I have the most beautiful Boulder for you! He and John worked together through Cullinan Creative Group for many years. I will so miss his phone calls he always started out with “Hey, it’s the Stump Man! What’s goin on?” We had been trying to see him as we live in chaska. But the damn COVID restrictions. He was a great and kind and fun man. We had already been missing him, but now even more so. Our greatest sympathies to his family. Love John and Lynn LaBahn
RIP Steve. You were a good friend and someone I could always count on. You made me look good! Thanks for the memories
Scott
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Tom, Dan, Cindy and families,
Talked to Chuck today. So sorry to hear the news of your Dad’s passing. Thankful you could be with him.
Remembering Steve pulling into our driveway on his cycle . Hold on to those good memories.