John H Finch, 30 Oct 1919 - 30 Aug 2007

FINCH, WILLIAMS, MCKINNEY, BALLARD

Posted By: Netha M Meyer (email)
Date: 9/4/2007 at 14:35:07

John Henry Finch was born on October 30, 1919 in the White Pigeon neighborhood near North English, IA, a son of Henry and Neva Lena Williams Finch. He went to Porter country school and graduated from Webster High School. John was baptized in the White Pigeon Christian Church in his youth and later joined the North English United Methodist Church. He was a lifetime resident of the North English community. On July 26, 1941 he married Gladys Maxine McKinney in Muscatine, IA. John farmed and also worked as a foreman at Amana Refrigeration for 26 years, retiring in 1981. Gladys preceded him in death in October 1979. On November 2, 1980 John married Jessie Ruth Downing Ballard in North English. They were active workers at the North English Community Center and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Jessie preceded him in death in March 2004. John became a resident of the English Valley Care Center in North English in July 2006. He died following a short illness at the care center on Thursday, August 30, 2007, at the age of 87 years and 10 months. John is survived by a daughter Judie (Jerry) Ulin of North English, IA; sons Myron (Janice) Finch of Baxter, IA; and Randy Finch of Cedar Rapids, IA; 6 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren: step son Chester (Carol) Ballard of North English, IA; step daughter Sheila (Willis) Severt of North English, IA; 3 step grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren; brothers Donald Finch of Silvis, IL and Glen Finch of Sigourney, IA; and 16 nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, his wives Gladys and Jessie, sisters Ethel Glore and Opal Doolin; a brother Chester Finch; a step daughter Janice Masters, and a step grand daughter. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North English at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 3, 2007 with Pastor Ben Wilson officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, September 2, 2007 from 1 PM to 4 PM. Burial will be in the North English Cemetery. A general memorial fund has been established.

Powell Funeral Home
Cedar Rapids Gazette 31 Aug 2007