Michael Joseph Finn

Michael Joseph Finn was born July 16, 1931 in Defiance, Iowa to Michael Joseph and Anna Marie (Loehr) Finn. Michael grew up in Defiance until the family moved to Omaha. There, he attended St. Peter’s grade school, and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1949. Growing up, he enjoyed playing basketball, harassing his sisters and driving his red convertible. Michael started working at the age of 16, and has worked hard ever since. Mike served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1954. During that time, he was stationed in Korea for 14 months during the Korean War. While enlisted in the Marines, Mike married Mary Lou Lewis on December 7, 1951 at a wedding chapel in El Segundo, California. To this union, three daughters were born; Kimberly Ann, Michaela Marie, and Stacey Elizabeth. The family moved to Waterloo, Nebraska in 1952 and made their home there until moving to Valley, Nebraska in 2012. Mike worked as a Bricklayer for many years with Vacanti Randazzo, and retired as a superintendent. Mike was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion, as well as the Eagle’s Club. Mike was a charming, witty man, with an Irish temper, but a “good time Charlie” way about him. He loved horse racing, playing cards, air boating, and time spent with family. He enjoyed watching sports, but he especially loved the Huskers, and of course, his favorite color was red. He liked a good steak and sipping a bit of Windsor, but his favorite pasttime was sitting on his porch watching the river. He was one of those few that could touch his tongue to his nose, and that is a trait that was passed on to some of the grandchildren. He also passed on some advice to his grandson that also joined the Marines; “Don’t come home with a tattoo!” He took great pride in learning to drive the air boat, and loved moving to the house on the Platte River. He cherished his family, and will be remembered for his big Irish personality, and for being the happy-go-lucky Irishman who was always up for a good time. Mike passed away at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, October 21, 2022 at the age of 91 years, 3 months, and 5 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Joseph & Anna Marie and 6 sisters, MaryAnn, Kathleen, Maxine, Madonna, Jane & Elaine. Mike is survived by his wife Mary Lou Finn of Valley, daughters Kimberly Shunk (Donald) of Valley, Michaela Cardin of Valley, and Stacey Vencil (Robert Sawyer) of Yutan, 7 grandchildren Kara Tomlinson (David), Kory Gurzick (Aaron), Danielle Vencil (Jason Smutz), Jamie Anderson (Casey), Jacob Vencil, Krystina Cardin (Nathan Holmes), Cody Cardin (Casey), 14 great grandchildren, close family friends Keli Appuhn and family, Ryan Dasher and family, and many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Snickers. Funeral service 11 AM Tuesday at Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn, with visitation one hour prior. Interment with military honors at Prospect Hill Cemetery of Elkhorn. Memorials to the Yutan Fire and Rescue or your favorite charity. Luncheon to follow at Elkhorn Eagles Club.

Michael Joseph Finn

July 16, 1931 - October 21, 2022