Finley, Patrick W. 1940-2007

MCNEIL, FINLEY

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 12/1/2007 at 12:59:18

Patrick W. Finley

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on October 16, 2007 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Elkader, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home of Elkader was in charge of the arrangements.

Patrick William Finley, 66, Elkader, Iowa, died Saturday, October 13, 2007, at the Central Community Hospital, Elkader, Iowa, following a long illness. Pat was born on November 18, 1940, in Highland Township to loving parents, Edward John and Mary Regina (McNeil) Finley. Pat attended country school, St. Joseph’s Catholic grade school and graduated from Elkader High School in 1959.

April 25, 1964, was a special day for him as he married his high school sweetheart, Diane. They lived on the family farm for forty-two years, raising beef and hogs. Because of failing health, they moved to Elkader in 2005.

One of Pat’s greatest joys were the days in the Elkader Jaycees. He was a charter member of the organization and helped establish the Elkader Sweet Corn Days, along with many good deeds the Jaycees did for Elkader. He was honored to receive the Distinguished Iowa Jaycee Award and cherished his memories of those days. Also during his Jaycee years, he was asked to be State Chairman for “Jelly Week” with the proceeds going to Special Needs Children. This was a soft spot for Pat and he served as state chairman for three years.

One day a neighbor invited Pat over for lunch and asked if he would be interested in volunteering as a 4-H leader. After saying yes, the Highland Helping Hands were organized and Pat stayed a 4-H leader for ten years. Along with another Irishman, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade was organized. It has been in existence for thirteen years and takes place every March 17th in Elkader. Pat claimed it was always a great day for everyone to be Irish.

Pat also served on the Clayton County Extension Council, FSA Committee, Board of Directors of the Elkader Cooperative Company and recently joined the Elkader Development Corporation. Pat loved the Iowa Hawkeye’s, Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. His greatest pastime was playing cards, bidding on nothing and had the luck of the Irish to make the hand. Another pleasure he enjoyed was playing Santa Claus to some “special families”.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane, Elkader; one brother, John (Marjorie) Finley, Elkader; two nephews, Tim (Trisha) Finley and their daughter Jillian, Ryan Finley; cousins; aunts; godson and great friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

I hope Pat is remembered for his Irish heritage, his sense of humor and a great laugh. When he received the cancer diagnosis eight years ago, any type of survival seemed impossible. His determination and fighting spirit allowed us more time to be with him.

Taken from a Leonard Funeral Home pamphlet.

Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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