Stanley Joseph Effertz
Stanley Joseph Effertz, 87, of Belle Plaine, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, January 29, at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church in Belle Plaine. Visitation will take place two hours prior to the service at the church.
Stan was born on June 22, 1937, at home in Assumption, Minnesota, to John and Catherine Effertz. The youngest of seven children, he grew up surrounded by his siblings: Mary (McMillan), Bill, Ed, Delores (Prochaska), Jack, and Margaret (Gregory).
He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in Sibley County before attending Belle Plaine Senior High School. At 18 years old, Stan answered the call to serve his country by joining the Marine Corps in 1955. His military service took him around the globe, including two years aboard the Navy ship the USS Bennington in the South Pacific. During this time, he served as the Navy Admiral’s bodyguard and personal driver. Through his travels, Stan remained closely connected to his loved ones, sending heartfelt letters home to his mom, sisters, and his future wife, Eileen. On April 18, 1959, Stan married the love of his life, Eileen Walsh, in a double wedding ceremony where he and his brother both married cousins.
Stan and Eileen began their family in Belle Plaine before relocating to Shakopee and eventually settling in Edina, Minnesota, where they raised their four children: Jane, Dick, Don, and Jean. During their time in Edina, they formed cherished lifelong friendships with a close-knit group known as the REGYS. Later, when the family farmstead became available, Stan and Eileen moved their family back to Belle Plaine. A hardworking and dedicated man, Stan poured his heart into everything he did, whether it was farming or his 31-year career at NSP. He retired at the young age of 55, ready to enjoy more time with his family and explore the world alongside Eileen. Stan and Eileen shared a deep love of travel, visiting destinations like Ireland, Wales, Australia,
Canada, Europe, and countless places across the United States. In their retirement, they enjoyed winters as snowbirds in Bonita Springs, Florida, where sunsets on Barefoot Beach and pizza at Doc’s became favorite traditions. Stan also took great joy in the countless antics and camaraderie at the hunting shack up north, affectionately dubbed Camp Stanley.
Stan was deeply proud of his German heritage and never missed the chance to savor sauerkraut on his bratwurst. A proud Marine to the end, he wore his Marine Corps hat with pride until the day he passed.
Above all, Stan was a devout Christian who devoted decades of his life to serving his faith. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, a dedicated church lector, and a tireless caretaker of the St. John’s-Assumption church grounds, embodying his commitment to God and his community.
He cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to share his love and pride in them. His warm and caring nature left a lasting
impression on everyone who knew him.
Stan is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Eileen Effertz of Belle Plaine; his children: Richard Effertz, Donald (JoBeth) Effertz, and Jean (Joe) Murphy; his grandchildren: Sarah Murphy, Megan (Gjert) Skaar, Kate (Andy) Halvorsen, Zach Effertz, Marie Effertz, Ellie Murphy, Jack (Allyson) Effertz, Lila Effertz, and Lauren Murphy; his great-grandchildren: Luka Gleeson, Eleanor Skaar, Nolan Skaar, and Kieran Gleeson; his sister Margaret (Don) Gregory; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his daughter, Jane Effertz. Stan’s legacy of love, service, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.