Mary H. Finken

August 19, 1929 - November 15, 2021

Mary Helen Heller, daughter of Frances (Gubbels) and Henry Heller, was born on August 19, 1929, in Portsmouth, Iowa. Mary was baptized and confirmed at St Mary's Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa, and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School where she graduated with the class of 1947. After high school Mary attended summer school in Denison and taught six years in a country school house (Cass #4) three miles east of Portsmouth. During that time she married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Nicholas Finken, from Earling. They were married in St Mary's Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa, on August 21, 1951. Mary married Bob while he was on furlough from the Army and spent 10 days together before he was shipped overseas for military duty in Korea and returned home two years later. When Bob returned from service, Mary finished teaching and he and Mary purchased and operated the family business, Finken's Store, for over 35 years. While married, God blessed them with four children: Sharon, Michael, Vicki and Ann. She kept herself busy between raising a family and working in the store. Mary was active in the community and belonged to several organizations. She was a long-time member of the Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Katherine #266 of Earling for 59 years. She and Bob sold the store and retired at 60 years of age and built a home which they enjoyed with family and friends over the years. During their retirement they joined a group called the Golden Aires singing in nursing homes in the surrounding area which brought her great joy and new friends. She also really enjoyed singing in the choir at St Joseph’s Church, baking, playing her organ, dancing, tending to her rose garden, traveling with family and friends, and playing cards with family. Mary was devoted to the Blessed Mary and to her love of praying the rosary. She will be remembered for leading the rosary in church, helping in the community, and visiting with family and friends at their home where you were always welcomed. Most of all Mary was very devoted to her faith and loved her husband and family dearly. Mary passed away peacefully with family at her side on November 15, 2021 having attained the age of 92 years, 2 months, and 27 days. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob) Finken; son Michael Finken; grandson John Finken; granddaughter's husband Matt Martin and sisters: Elaine Buckley, Rose Schnuettgen, and Darlene Kenkel. She is survived by her daughters: Sharon and her husband Bob Kirschbaum of Sheldon, Iowa; Vicki and her husband Duane Gall of LaVista, Nebraska; Ann and her husband Chuck King of Omaha, Nebraska; daughter-in-law Brenda (Halvorsen) Finken of Apple Valley, Minnesota; twelve grandchildren; five great grandchildren; siblings Alvin Heller of Harlan, Iowa; Rich Heller of Portsmouth, Iowa; Bonnie Thielen of Denver, Colorado; Phil Heller and his wife Doramae of Portsmouth, Iowa; Veral Heller and his wife Mary of Green Valley, Arizona; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.