Wilmer M. Finken • 1918 - 2005

Wilmer M. Finken, 86, 800 16th Ave. SE Apt. 9, Minot, ND, died Thursday, March 24, 2005, at a Minot nursing home.

Wilmer Math Finken was born on April 3, 1918, the son of John and Mary (Loch) Finken on the family farm located west of Douglas, ND, in Cameron Township of Ward Co. He was raised and attended country school there. He farmed for his parents until 1941, when he moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he worked in a packing plant for about six months. He then returned to Douglas where he continued to farm for his parents.

Wilmer married Isabelle Schumacher on June 22, 1948, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Kenmare. They made their home and raised their children on the farm near Douglas, where they grew small grains and raised sheep, cattle, and a few pigs and chickens. He farmed all his life until he became disabled in the spring of 1977, from the effects of a brain abscess. They remained on the farm for four more years, before moving to Minot. They eventually bought a new condo on Thompson Lake, where they marveled at having beaver and geese in their backyard right in Minot. This became the gathering place for many family events and holidays for many years.

He and Isabelle moved to Edgewood Vista in March of 2000, and lived together there until December of 2001, when Wilmer became a resident of ManorCare.

Wilmer was a former member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Douglas, and was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot, as well as the Knights of Columbus of Minot. He was also a former member of the Douglas School Board.

Wilmer's life was centered around his family, his faith, and the farm. He had a great love for the land and for raising crops and animals. His and Isabelle's love of camping and fishing evolved into a lake cabin at Rice Lake, where they spent many fun filled days. He also enjoyed playing cards, eating, and getting together with friends and relatives.

Surviving family includes: wife of 56 years: Isabelle of Minot;sons: Dennis (Muriel) Finken of Midland, MI; and Robert (DeAnne) Finken of Douglas;daughters: Sharon (Ted) King of Great Bend, KS; Kathy (Arlo) Sailer of Beulah; and Elaine (LeRoy) Stolt of Minot;grandchildren: Heather (King) Hicks of Great Bend, KS; Ted (Hillary) King IV of Manhattan, KS; , Tracy, Holly, Katie, and Dylan Finken, all of Douglas; and 2 great-grandchildren: Katherine and Mathew Hicks, both of Great Bend, KS;brother: Everett (Dorothy) Finken of Mesa, AZ;sisters: Ermella (Donald) Ditch of Winona, MN; and Criselda Woiwode of Minot; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wilmer was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Jerome Woiwode.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, March 28, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot, ND.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service/Rosary: Sunday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Grace Stained Glass Window Fund or to the choice of the donor.

Celebrant of the Liturgies: Father Gene Lindemann

Music: Processional Hymn: "Be Not Afraid"
Offertory: "How Great Thou Art"
Communion: "Bread Blessed and Broken"
Commendation: "Song of Farewell"
Recessional Hymn: "On Eagle's Wings"
Anita Mattson and Linda Glueckert, vocalists
Jeanne Artz, accompanist

Active Bearers: Wilmer's nephews
Mike Woiwode, Pat Finken, Al Woiwode, Don Schumacher, Tom Linnertz, Nick Schumacher
Paul Smetana, George Smetana

Honorary Bearers: Wilmer's remaining nephews

Back to Obituaries