John Joseph "Pete" Effertz, 86, of Cumberland passed away peacefully on Wednseday, April 3, 2019 at Woodstone Assisted Living. He was born March 9, 1933 in Clinton Twp, WI to William and Katherine (Nasar) Effertz and was raised on the family dairy farm.

He was married to Gloria Hedke in Cumberland on June 19, 1954. He hauled milk while helping raise his young family and worked for a time in the archery feather business.  He was instrumental in building the pelican in Pelican Rapids, MN and the Cumberland Beaver. He earned employment at 3M in Cumberland and retired after 32 years, then worked for the Town of Crystal Lake for over 10 years.

Pete's lifelong love of music led him to form "The Family Four Band," in the late 1960's and they played into the 1980's. He also enjoyed playing music with his children until as recently as October of 2018. Some of his most precious time was spent with his family (especially his grand and great grandkids)  in the great outdoors, hunting and fishing. One of Pete's proudest accomplishments was the restoration of his 1929 Ford Model A which was used in many area parades. 

He is survived by his wife, Gloria of Cumberland; children: Doug (Judy) Effertz of Cumberland, Bill (Shelley) Effertz of Cumberland, Laurie (Jerry) Helmueller of Little Canada, MN, and Scott Effertz of Cumberland; grandchildren: Michelle (Darwin) Porter and Amy Helmueller, Aaron (Meghan) Effertz and Hannah Effertz, Ashley Vanderhoof, Eric Effertz, Sarah Effertz and Jessica (Shane) Bates, Lacey (Adam) Antonetti, Jacob (Jenni) Effertz and Becca Effertz; 11 great grandchildren; his brother, Richard Effertz of Helena, MT; sisters: Lavina Knutson of Prairie Farm and Patsy Hendricks of Tomah; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. John was preceded in death by his son, Jeff and his siblings: Lawrence, Jerry, Edward, James, Paul, Andy, Elaine, and Margie.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Almena. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery - Cumberland. Pallbearers are Aaron Effertz, Eric Effertz, Dave Effertz, Ken Effertz, Jax Effertz and Jake Effertz.  Visitation will be from 1 - 4 PM on Sunday at the Skinner Funeral Home in Cumberland and for 1 hour prior the service on Monday at the church.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland is serving the family.

Last Update: Apr 08, 2019 5:31 am CDT