Michael Finnegan
Michael Finnegan, 88, of Clermont, Iowa died Friday, February 22, 2019, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union, Iowa. He was born December 20, 1930 to John and Helen Finnegan. Michael attended school at Postville and joined the United States Army and served until 1953.
Michael was united in marriage with Mary Patricia “Pat” on February 12, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Winthrop, Iowa. Together they farmed the family farm and raised their family. Michael’s hobbies included fishing, reading, forestry, and celebrating his Irish heritage. He volunteered for hospice patients and prison ministry and also served as a volunteer and board member for the local food shelf.
He was passionate about conservation and educated many on soil erosion prevention. Michael was a leader in conservation and received several conservation awards over the years. His most recent award was in January, the Conservation Faces of Iowa award he received in Des Moines.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Patricia “Pat” Finnegan of West Union, Iowa; one sister, Marianne Ironside of Kenosha, Wisconsin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Margaret Hogan of Winthrop, Iowa; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Terri Brickley of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sister-in-law, CeAnn Brickley of Cascade, Iowa; his children, Faye of Dubuque, Iowa, Dan (Yolanda) and their children, Brian (fiancée Anchal) and John of Austin, Texas, Michael (Brooke) and their children, Bailey and Abigail of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Matt (Lisa) and their children, Dane Harnack of Boulder, Colorado and Alexis and Emily of Savage, Minnesota, Joan (Blair) and their children, Thomas, Olivia, and Grace of Chaska, Minnesota and Patrick (Catherine) and their children, Mia and Gus of Bloomington, Minnesota.
Mike was preceded in death by parents, John and Helen Finnegan; and one sister, Jean Schultz.
Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa. There was also a one-hour visitation before mass at the church on Thursday.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2019, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Don Komboh and Rev. George Karnick as the concelebrants.
Burial with military rites followed at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Clermont, Iowa.
A lunch at Brick City Grill in Clermont, Iowa followed burial.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Michael Finnegan Memorial Fund to support Mike’s favorite charities.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.