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J. Robert Effinger Obituary

J. Robert (Rob) Effinger, 79, of Chicago died peacefully at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on December 19, 2013 after a short illness, surrounded by his family. Mr. Effinger was born in Chicago on August 21, 1934, the loving son of John Effinger and Ruth Walser Effinger and sister of Margaret Effinger Hayes. He graduated from Hinsdale Central High School, where he met his wife, Katherine (Kathy) Luhn Effinger, whom he married in 1957. Mr. Effinger was a very, very proud graduate of the University of Michigan (as were his grandparents, parents, wife, all four daughters, and his oldest grandchild) and received his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. Mr. Effinger worked as an executive in the banking industry in the greater Chicago area and New York City for many years. He later founded a successful church software company, Omega C.G. Limited, which was the innovator and leader in its sector, serving 2500+ churches before selling to a competitor in 1996. Upon his retirement, Mr. Effinger enjoyed mentoring young businessmen and women with several organizations, served on the board of directors of GoodCity, and (with his wife, Kathy) volunteered as a youth advocate for foster children with Casa of DuPage County. Mr. Effinger and his wife, Kathy, made their home in the Hinsdale area for many years until moving to the Millenium Park area in downtown Chicago last year. He spent every summer of his life at the family cottage in Saugatuck, Michigan, which he loved more than anywhere else on earth and where he will be greatly missed. He was the loving father of four daughters: Mary Kay (Mark) Baker of Saugatuck and Chicago, Linda (Herb) Quinde of Chicago, Margaret Shiner of San Francisco, and Susan (Dev) Butler of East Grand Rapids. He was the beloved "Bumpa" of Stephanie (Jonathan) Zita, Caroline Baker, Matt Baker, Liamarie Quinde, Robert Butler, William Butler, Myatt Butler, and Sydney Shiner. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, December 23 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 31st Street and York Road in Oak Brook, with a reception following at the Hinsdale Golf Club, 140 West Chicago Avenue, Clarendon Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: www.dupagecasa.org.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Dec. 22, 2013.
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Dear Susan, Kathy and Effinger family,

I have been thinking of you and how special you and your family are to so many of us. Your dad (Rob) was a great man and leader in so many ways. While your faith is so strong and know he is in a good hands, I know you will miss him so much. He passed along many traditions, and you definitely have my family beat as the ultimate, most passionate M Go Blue family! I regret being out of town this week and missing the opportunity to see you all together. Will be thinking of you often. All my love and GO BLUE! Laura Yaege

Laura Yaeger

December 23, 2013

To the Effinger Family,

I am so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. My heart is with everyone of you and the sadness you must be feeling. The impact Rob had on my life was unmeasurable. I was fortunate to start working for Rob Effinger back when I was just 23 years old, at Rob's company Omega CG Limited. The next 4 years of my life would be just amazing! The many things I learned in business and in life from just being around him are still apart of me today.

Thank you Rob, for taking me under your wing.

Robert Bryant

Robert Bryant

December 22, 2013

Thinking of you, Mrs. Effinger (and, yes, I know I should call you Kathy!). Hugs to Susan, too. I will see you all on Monday. Mr. Effinger was a wonderful man and I will miss seeing him on his visits here. :( Little did I know that Julie Johnston's introduction would lead me to hire Susan at Accenture and introduce me to such wonderful people.

Julie Schwab

December 22, 2013

Sad To hear of Rob's passing--He was a real friend--Paul Cromheecke

December 22, 2013

Linda,
I didn't know your dad but I do know you.
And clearly your dad has left his legacy of compassion, commitment, and faith deep in your heart.
You are a living example.
I'm so sorry he's not here anymore but I always think Heaven just gets that much happier when an angel like him arrives.
You WILL see him again.
Much Love,
Leslie Miller.

December 21, 2013

We send our deepest sympathy to you, Kathy, and your family. Jim and Juanita Elder

Jim & Juanita Elder

December 21, 2013

Rob was my first friend in Hinsdale in 1944 and lifelong best buddy all the rest of his life. He was my classmate at HTHS and fraternity brother/roommate at U of M. Most of all rob is my brother in Christ and I will get to be with him again in Heaven with Jesus. Bless Kathy and all the family. Love, Alan Holderness

December 21, 2013

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Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Christ Church of Oak Brook

31st Street and York Road, Oak Brook, IL

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