John Arthur Effinger

John Arthur Effinger, age 82, passed away on June 8 at Tucson Medical Center from complications of a rapidly growing type of lymphoma. He was born in Baraboo to Fred and Geraldine (Nettland) Effinger and grew up in Effinger Park. In 1957, he graduated from Baraboo High School where he was an accomplished percussionist/drummer in the band. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1958 and was honorably discharged in 1961. During his employment years, he worked with his father in the Effinger Brewery until it closed in 1968. He started, owned, and operated Partee Port Liquor Stores in Baraboo for a few years, sold them, and moved to Arizona where he worked for various beer distributors, Anheuser-Busch being the last.

Moving back to Baraboo in the late '80's, John worked for Berning Motors in car sales until a stroke in 1992 forced him to retire completely. When his wife retired, they escaped to Arizona for the winters, and seven years ago they moved to Tucson.

John is survived by his wife, Ann (Kent); son Jason (Regine "Charlie") of Panama City Beach, FL; brothers Jim (Dianne) of Prairie du Sac, Philip of St. Augustine, FL; granddaughters Mara and Anya, nieces Kris (Glenn) Prechtal and Jessica Effinger; nephews Mike (Laura) and Chad (Amy). He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private family service will take place at Walnut Hill. Friends, relatives, & classmates are invited to a celebration of life at Gem City Saloon on Saturday, June 26, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Brings Broadway Chapel of Tucson and Redlin Funeral Home, Baraboo, are assisting the family.