Joseph Edward Gerald "Joe" Finkbeiner

joe always had a twinkling smile. always said he would kiss 500 girls...always had a great time with everyone at school, and was a great father and husband. worked hard. and he was the one who took me to the restaurant/bar (tally ho in kazoo) where my (future) wife, betty, was working. urged me to date her. and 48 years later, we are still together. when someone we have known for years passes, a bit of who our overall personality is leaves also. we grow and mature with the bits and...

To the Finkbeiner "kids" and their Aunt Carol:
I went to high school with Joe and counted him as a friend. Like Doug Stowell I was part of the late night rolling adventures....we sometimes made "The Great Circle" in the Chevy Joe would pull into his driveway around his curfew timen tap on his parents window and ask if he could stay out a little longer....we then would go to Kalamazoo. on to Battle Creek, then up to Lansing, over to Grand Rapids, and back to Hastings in a time way too...

For those of you that aren't aware, Joe's wife Sherry passed away on March 21, 3 weeks after our Dad. Her funeral will be Tuesday March 26 at 10:30 at St Mary's in Westphalia. We will dearly miss these two special people. Thank you for all your comments about Dad. They mean a lot to us.
Toni, Kim, and Joey

Joe was an immediate friend when I entered local politics. He took my 76 vote loss for state rep. in 1972 harder than I did. He encourged me to run again in 1974 and together we forged a smashing victory and reelection in 1976. Joe was one of the few who knew I was a closet Liberal. He always had time to talk and laugh. He was the only one who could hold the EL and county conservatives together. Because of Joe we turned Ingham county to a Blue county. Rest in Peace, find Al Dutzy up...

I worked with Joe for over three years. I will miss him dearly.

I am so sorry for your loss Toni and family. Sending you love, hugs and prayers! Dawn

All our love and prayers are with you and your family.

Annette, Al and Jim Freid

Sherry and family, I'm so sorry. You and Joe were a big part of moving our town and the nation forward. I'm personally grateful for the start you gave me from around your kitchen table when I was only "Bob Who?" The spirit of Joe was with me from then and right up until FarmVille! And I'll always remember his good humor and laugh. You loss is shared by me.

I remember Joe and Sherry when we worked together in the Democratic party. Not only was Joe a "grassroots activist", but an encouragement to others. He contributed to any community in which he lived. Sherry, may you and all his family, be consoled.