Dr. Bernard "Bernie" Stephen Effertz

Dr. Bernard Stephen Effertz, 61, of Kansas City, MO, peacefully left this earth on August. 28, 2023.

Bernie is survived by his mother, Julie Laughlin Effertz; father, John Effertz (Julie); sisters, Joanne Schroer (Joe), Mimi Sedlacek (Al), Tricia McCullough (Todd); brothers Eric Effertz (Marie) and Wes Grammer (Jen) and his nieces and nephews. 

Bernie was an aficionado of fine things.  He was quick with his wit, stylishly cool, and, at times, a bit awnry! Bernie always greeted others with a funny joke! If creativity is intelligence having fun, then Bernie was doubly blessed. Bernie wore many hats (figuratively and literally)!  He was a son, brother, researcher, coworker and artist to name a few.  He was inspired by the work of Picasso and Bernie’s paintings and sculptures are modern, colorful and meaningful works of art of which he was very proud. 

Bernie was born in Kansas City, MO on Sept 28, 1962, and was a wonderful “gift” on his mother’s birthday.  Bernie was the second of five children.  After attending St. Thomas More grade school and Rockhurst High School, Bernie received his B.S in Biology at the University of Missouri-Columbia.  He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity alongside his brother and several cousins.  Later, Bernie graduated from the University of Arizona’s Medical School in Tucson where he earned his Ph.D. in Immunology.  After medical school, Bernie worked in research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. His medical career with many of the top-pharmaceutical companies allowed him to call San Diego, San Francisco, Boston and Salt Lake City home before moving back to Kansas City.  Bernie was happy to return to Kansas City again and be surround by his large, extended family! Sadly, Bernie succumbed to complications of a history of alcohol abuse.  His addiction became a disease he battled to the end. 

His family would like to recognize the KCMO first responders.  Their dedication, professionalism, communication and compassion are second-to-none.  Memorial services will be held privately for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Police Foundation of Kansas City, a 501(c)(3) organization, that raises money for additional help our local first responders need. Please designate “In Memory of Bernie Effertz” and send to The Police Foundation of KC, P.O. Box 25198 , Kansas City, Missouri 64119 or donate online at https://policefoundationkc.org/