Frances J. Effertz passed away Friday, July 7, 2023, at Evelyn's House, following more than a 2-½ year illness with lung cancer.
She was born May 23, 1941 in
St. Louis, Missouri to Frances A. and Edwin L. Klein, and grew up in the Walnut Park neighborhood, graduating from Laboure High School in 1959.
Soon thereafter she met Joseph G. Effertz, who had come to St. Louis about three weeks earlier to work for McDonnell Aircraft. They met at a dance sponsored by the Cathedral club. Their first date was a week later and after a very long courtship they married on November 9, 1963. They were from vastly different backgrounds, she from a close-knit, Italian St. Louis family and he from a farm in North Dakota, but they both grew together over the years.
Fran worked at Stix, Baer and Fuller for many years, and this helped her develop her sense of style. She was quite a seamstress and made numerous gowns that she wore for parties.
Fran is survived by husband Joe and daughter Beth. Fran had a very close relationship with her parents and with Beth. Fran was a wonderful mother and stayed home with her daughter until the early 1980's. At that point she worked briefly in Real Estate and then as a Closer, working for various title and mortgage companies until retirement in 2002. She and Beth had many adventures over the years, traveling and shopping in many cities around the country.
When they first married, Fran and Joe lived in Jennings, and then moved to Hathaway Manor South. Their home for the last 47 years has been near the Missouri River in a rural area east of
Florissant, Missouri.
A memorial visitation will be held Friday, July 14, 2023, 9:00 am until time of Mass 10:00 am at St. Norbert Catholic Church, 16455 New Halls Ferry Road,
Florissant, Missouri, 63034. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Evelyn's House or
American Cancer Society appreciated. Lunch will follow in the Parish Hall.