Elfriede S. White

Elfriede "Effi" Susannah Heidmeier Journey White, age 80, passed away April 29, 2025 at the Lutheran Home in Wauwatosa, WI. Effi was born in Vienna, Austria on April 24,1945, to Gertrude (Witasek) and the late Hubert Heidmeier.

Effi and her mother immigrated to Greenwood, MS, in 1947. After many years of world travel, the family put down roots in Milwaukee, WI, in 1955. Effi graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran High School in 1963 and Columbia College of Nursing in 1966. She went on to be a dedicated nurse for the next 25 years. Effi settled in Delafield, WI, where she raised her two beloved sons, David and John, with their father Samuel White.

Effi’s passion was reading a good book and expanding her knowledge base, usually with her cats by her side. She had several artistic pursuits, including sewing, drawing, and photography. Effi would never turn down an intense game of Canasta with her family and friends. In her younger years, Effi enjoyed traveling, hiking, and skiing trips to Colorado and the Austrian Alps.

Effi is survived by her mother Gertude Journey, sons David (Dana) White and John (Valerie Adams) White, grandchildren Alex White, Avery White, brother John Journey, sister Marie (Paul) Haussman, nephew Adam (Mary Spellerberg) Haussman, nieces Andrea (Michael) Johnson-Kyndhail and Heather (Thomas) Whiting. She is further survived by the father of her children Samuel White, many great-nieces and nephews, family, and friends.

A memorial service for Effi will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Evert-Luko Funeral Home, 170 Warren Avenue in Hartland, Wisconsin.  Family and friends are invited to visit directly at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County or the Lutheran Home in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.