Thomas Bernard John Efta, Sr., son of Vincent James and Lillian (Wagner) Efta, was born on August 26, 1935, in Wagner, South Dakota. He passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 21, 2008, at his home in Essex, Iowa, at the age of 72.

Tom grew up in Wagner, South Dakota, where he attended the Wagner Public Schools until the age of 15. At that time he shared work experiences with many older siblings in Indiana, Illinois, South Dakota and points in between. In addition, he helped with the construction of the Fort Randall and Gavins Point dams in South Dakota. From 1954 to 1956 Tom was a Green Beret in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict and served as a field radio repairman. He later moved to Seattle, Washington, where he built wing jigs for Boeing.

On February 9, 1957, Tom was united in marriage to Vivian Teresa St. Pierre in Seattle. Tom pursued his love of teaching after completing his teacher's degree. He taught in numerous schools in the Midwest while raising his family of four children. They resided in Washington, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, back to South Dakota and back to Nebraska before finally settling in Essex, Iowa. In all, they moved 28 times during their marriage. Tom was also a skilled craftsman and cabinet maker. Throughout his teaching career he also moonlighted as a carpenter. After his teaching days ended he pursued his second career as a carpenter full-time before retiring in 1994. Tom enjoyed rock hunting, coin collecting and woodworking.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Vivian T. Efta in July of 2002. Survivors include his children, Tom Efta, Jr., and his wife Audrey of Hastings, NE, Lori Johnson and her husband Darwin of Emerson, IA, Greg Efta and his wife Heidi of Longwood, FL, and Rebecca Efta of Essex, IA; five grandchildren, Sarah Johnson, Maggie, Mackenzie and Melinda Efta and Amber Bell and her husband Justin; other relatives and many friends.

Graveside services were held on Monday, February 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. The Musical Selections chosen for the service were "Amazing Grace" and "In The Garden". Casket Bearers were Rod Efta, Darwin Johnson, Jim Mastny, Bill Hodge, Paul Swigart, and Eugene Palmer. Military rites were accorded by the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88. A memorial in Tom's name is being established.