Kenneth Thompson Finke

Kenneth Thompson Finke

Kenneth Thompson "Tom" Finke, 84, passed away on May 3, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. Born on November 9, 1940, in Sioux City, Iowa, Tom led a life defined by dedication to family, excellence in the legal profession, and a lifelong love of golf.

Tom earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona before continuing on to receive an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University.

A respected figure in the legal community, Tom served as Managing Partner at Jennings, Strouss & Salmon. He was known for his leadership and commitment to his clients.

Mentors such as Dr. Ed Updegraff and Thomas Seddon Duke introduced Tom to golf at an early age, and golf became one of Tom's passions. He was an All-American (Honorable Mention) collegiate golfer at the University of Arizona and was inducted into the Tucson High School Hall of Fame for his contributions to multiple state championship-winning teams.

Tom shared the last two decades of his life with Elizabeth Berkenkamp, his partner of 20 years. He is lovingly remembered by his son Thomas Finke; daughter Heather Banczak; daughter-in-law Lisa Finke; son-in-law John Banczak; niece Leslie Black; nephew Michael Black; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth C. Finke and Ruth T. Finke, as well as his sister Carolyn Black.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Evans Scholar Foundation at https://wgaesf.org/content/memorials-and-honorariums