MARY M. FINKE, age 88
of New Bremen, died on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 10:20 A.M. at the Elmwood Assisted Living in New Bremen, where she had been residing for the past few years. She was born on April 3, 1935, in New Bremen, the daughter of the late Willis V. and Waneta C. (Timmerman) Holdren. On June 4, 1955, she married Robert L. Finke at St. Paul Church in New Bremen, and together they shared 65 years before his death on January 8, 2021. Survivors include her daughters Shelly Finke, Lisa Thobe, and Staci (Gary) Jones all of New Bremen; her grandchildren: Ben (Allison) Thobe, Lindsay (Grayson Soenke) Thobe, Taylor (Troy) Williams, Karli (Bennett) Staton and Paige (Jonah) Lageman; and her great-grandchildren: Tyson and Donovan Thobe, Miles and Quinn Williams, and Eloise Staton. Also left to cherish her memory is a brother Tom (Joyce) Holdren, and brother in-law Lowell Quellhorst all of New Bremen. Along with her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by a son in-law Gregg Thobe, her sisters Betty Quellhorst, and Donna Mae (Jack) Wirtz, and her in-laws Paul Finke and Margaret (Lawrence) Beverly.
Mary was a 1953 graduate of New Bremen High School and was a life-long member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen where she had served as the Sunday School Superintendent. She had worked for many years as a teller at the New Bremen branch of Minster State Bank. Mary was an avid card player, especially euchre, and was active member of the New Bremen Senior Citizens, looking forward to playing cards several days each week. She and Bob had also belonged to two different card clubs. Mary and Bob loved to travel, taking in many bus trips and cruises. She also loved her dogs Maggie and Brandi. She enjoyed crocheting afghans for her family, playing tennis, volleyball, and was in a bowling league for a number of years. Mary and Bob were big supporters of New Bremen Cardinal athletics, attending countless sporting events over the years. They especially loved to follow their grandchildren and were proud of their accomplishments at school.
Memorial Services will be held at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen on Saturday, August 12, 2023 beginning at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Ken Locke officiating. Inurnment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen. Calling Hours will be held prior to the services on Saturday, at the funeral home, from 9:00 until 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions should be to the Blessing Pantry at St. Paul Church, Grand Lake Hospice, or to the New Bremen Senior Citizens. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family online at www.gilberghartwigfh.com