Gene Douglas Finke

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Lincoln High School Indiana University

Gene Finke Obituary

Gene Douglas Finke of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Jan. 23, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born on Jan. 14, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and raised in Vincennes, Indiana, Gene was a beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather. His life was marked by a profound dedication to his family, a successful career and a passion for life's simple pleasures.

Gene is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife of more than 59 years, Janet (Jan) Finke; his loving son, Chad Finke; his caring sister, Cheryl Dillon; his cherished daughter-in-law, Nadia Bari; and his adored grandson, Henry (Hank) Finke. Each of them held a special place in his heart, and he in theirs.

Gene graduated from Lincoln High School in Vincennes in 1961. He then spent time at Indiana University before returning to Vincennes and embarking on a long and successful career in management. Gene's professional life was defined by a 28-year tenure with JCPenney, where he was known for his leadership, integrity and the genuine care he showed for his colleagues.

Outside of work, Gene was a man of many interests. An avid fisherman, he found peace and contentment by the water, a rod in hand, waiting for the next big catch (or even a nibble). Gene's love for sports was evident in his unwavering support for the Chicago Bears, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas Jayhawks. He enjoyed the camaraderie and excitement that came with each game, sharing these moments with friends and family.

Gene also had a lifelong love of learning and a passion for reading. His interests were wide and varied, but he enjoyed nothing more than the works of Stephen King. He devoured each new book as soon as it was released and couldn't wait for whatever spine-tingling chills would come next.

Throughout his life, Gene's generosity and his sense of humor touched all who knew him. His gentle guidance, quick wit, and unwavering support were the cornerstones of the relationships he built and nurtured. Gene's legacy is one of love, laughter and the precious moments shared with those he held dear.

Gene's memory will be honored in a memorial ceremony in Vincennes later in 2025, as per his wishes. His family takes comfort in the outpouring of love and support from those who knew Gene and asks that you keep his spirit alive by sharing stories, laughter and love in his memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by La Porte County Herald-Dispatch on Jan. 28, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Gene Finke

8 Entries

Linda Korb

February 26, 2025

Gene's was a friend & great neighbor in 1975

SUZETTE BOLOGNA

February 6, 2025

THE FAMILY WAS A GREAT NEIGHBOR IN TRAIL CREEK-WE HAD MANY LAUGHS AS NEIGHBORS--MY PAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO JAN AND FAMILY

Kim Maddux

January 30, 2025

Jan and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Gene. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen Durnell

January 29, 2025

I remember the time we went ice fishing up at my step-dad's. Didn't catch many fish but had a great time riding the snowmobile and the kids playing in the snow. Gene, was a great friend and will be missed by many. Prayers for Jan & Chad as they move forward in life.
Blessings, Karen Durnell and family.

Cheryl Finke Dillon

January 29, 2025

My dear brother Genie, whom I adored as a child and will love dearly forever, was a guiding force for me growing

up. I looked up to him learned from him and tried
to be as brave as him. He taught me to play baseball,
to climb our willow tree, how to skip rocks on the water,
mumbly peg, and a wrestling game he created himself and
called Weak man vs Strong man. Three years his Junior
you can guess which man I had to play. We played board
games, built with Lincoln logs, played with Crazy Ikes
and Kooties, checkers and chess, and he taught me how
to shuffle cards with a flourish. He taught me how
to be brave and to get along with other children. He made me laugh so hard I couldn't catch my breath. It's no wonder he grew up to be the kind and wise man that he became. My heart goes out to his beloved wife Jan. She spent her life with him and their love will be eternal. My love to Gene's family, Chad, Nadia and Henry. I pray Christ's love will surround him until we meet again. Cheryl Finke Dillon (Sis)

Patricia L Howard

January 29, 2025

I worked at JC Penney in Michigan City in the early 80's. I had been a sales person in several departments, and Gene asked me to take the Security position. I hated it! Most of the other employees had stopped talking to me, because they thought I was watching them for shoplifting, along with the customers. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and went to Gene. I told him my problem and he sat there for a moment and then said "If you get hit by a Mac truck tonight, I'm going to replace you tomorrow. What department do you want to work in?" I told him "Cameras". My time in that department, along with another knowledgeable associate named Jamie, were the catalyst that ended up leading me to a 43 year career as a professional photographer.
May Gene rest in Heaven and our memories never fade.

Diane Miller-Green

January 28, 2025

Jan, we haven't met, but I've been haring about you for many years and your wonderful dedication to Gene. He was a great guy. My brother and I, both in band with him and Cheryl, always remember Gene Finke leading the marching band with his perfectly straight back, everything Hal Muir would want in a drum major.
He told Cheryl, when she was down ,"Come on back here, I'll get you laughing." I have no doubt of his wit. He was a Finke.
I'm so sorry for your family's great loss. He has earned his place in Heaven.

John Evans

January 28, 2025

Janet, so sorry for your loss.

The Finke family were close to my family while growing up in Vincennes. Janet and I were friends throughout High School. We are praying for you and your family.

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