Richard Emil Finke, 92, Freelandville, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at Freelandville Community Home with his family by his side. Richard was born May 22, 1922, in Freelandville, the son of Fred and Emma (Schaefer) Finke. He married Marjorie Parker on March 9, 1950, and she passed on February 4, 2015. Richard retired as a coal miner, working for various coal mines, Red Ember, Thunderbird, White Ash, Hawthorn, Sunshine, and Lynnville. He was a member of Bethel Church and had been on the Bethel Church Board. He also was a member of the Vincennes American Legion, Vincennes VFW, Edwardsport Masonic Lodge #429, U.M.W.A., and the Bicknell Elks. Richard was a World War II Vet in the United States Army and received a bronze star for his service in the Pacific Theater with the 339th Combat Engineers. His family including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were everything to him.
Richard is survived by his daughters, Nancy Tewell and fiance Dave Evans of Vincennes and Elaine Workman and husband Jim of Washington; son, Richard Finke and wife Ann of Cramerton, NC; grandchildren, Jay Page and wife Kim, Scott Kirchoff and wife Heather, Julie Kirchoff and companion Avery, Jason Kirchoff and wife Elizabeth, Erin Ridolfo and husband Ryan, Harrison Finke and companion Ashley McNabb, Jill Cooper and husband Steve, and Dan Workman and wife Tara; great-grandchildren, Brooke Page, Cole and Zach Kirchoff, Harrison and Audrey Hislip, Maddie, Emma, and Owen Kirchoff, Drew and Logan Workman, Mia Domino, and Allison and Mitch Cooper; his dog Sparky; and kitty cat Tammy.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; parents; two brothers, Paul and Oscar Finke; one sister, Laura Volle; and two grandchildren.
Friends may visit on Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Bethel Church. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2015 at 10:00 AM also at the church with the Rev. Dr. Kate Lambertson officiating. He will be laid to rest at Bethel Cemetery with the All-Weather Firing Squad providing military honors. Arrangements were entrusted to Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home Bicknell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Freelandville Community Home. Online condolences may be made at www.fredrickandson.com.
