Erwin R. Effinger, 85, of Hermantown died Saturday October 19, 2013.  He was born in Duluth to Leon and Alyce Effinger.  Erwin was a Master Chief serving 25 years with the Sea Bee's.  He had worked for the D.M. & I.R. for forty years.  He was a lifetime member of the Knights Templar, and a member of the VFW Post #71.  Erwin enjoyed tinkering, traveling, fishing, cabin and construction.  He will be remembered as a "Regular Guy".  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Bob. He is survived by his wife Jackie the love of his life for 59 years, children Sherry (Jerry) and Keenan (Dana), granddaughter Chelsea (Fiancé Adam Upton), siblings Dean (Donna) Effinger, and Francine (Dennis) Pitkanen, loving pets Sugar and Pixie, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Thursday October 24, 2013 from 10AM until the 11AM Memorial Service in Sunrise Funeral Home.  Military Honors will be Accorded by the Duluth Combined Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Animal Allies or any Veteran Organization.  Arrangements by Sunrise Funeral Home.