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Russell Finken Obituary
August 24, 1949 - June 15, 2025
Russell Ellis "Rusty" Finken died on Father's Day, June 15, 2025, at age 75 in Council Bluffs. He was born August 24, 1949, in Council Bluffs, to Carmen and Ellis Finken. His mother died when Russ was only 4 and he was raised by his maternal grandparents, Jonas and Esta Jackson, in Logan.
His family owned Mars Café in Missouri Valley, where Russ did a little of everything. He graduated from Logan-Magnolia High School in 1967 and earned his teaching degree from Dana College in Blair, Neb.
Russ was a longtime elementary and junior high school teacher in Glenwood. After more than two decades in the classroom, he earned his Master's degree from Creighton University and his education specialist degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He spent the remainder of his career as a school administrator in Iowa and Nebraska, most notably as principal of Glenwood Middle School and superintendent of Nishna Valley and Tri-Center schools.
Russ was a longtime high school football and basketball official in Iowa. For 25 summers, he co-managed the Davies Amphitheater in Glenwood with his wife, Sybil. His favorite acts included Pam and the Pearls, the Martin Family, and Britt Small and Festival.
As a loyal American Red Cross blood donor, he gave more than 50 gallons of blood and platelets over more than 35 years. He was a passionate advocate for the Glenwood Resource Center, where his son Seth has lived for 40 years.
Russ was an avid Husker football and Creighton basketball fan. He loved going to Jays games with lifelong friends from Logan and had season tickets right behind the visitors bench. He loved clean cars and golden oldies music. And he loved his family most of all.
He is survived by sons, Zach (Deb), Luke (Kathleen Fitzsimmons) and Seth; daughter, Carmen (Andrew DeFrancisci); their mother, Sybil; grandchildren Jackson, Mae and Cleo; and many friends.
Donations can be made to: The Voice of Reason (vor.net), the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association and the Leadville Irish Miners' Memorial.
Per his wishes, his body was donated to the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Finken
LaRae
June 24, 2025
Terri Schuster
June 23, 2025
Russ was my neighbor at the Riverpark Apts. We visited quite often and sat together at the social events. We were both in education having worked in schools in both Iowa and Nebraska. I will miss seeing him very much.
Jennifer Corriveau
June 22, 2025
I went to Glenwood Middle School when Mr. Finken was the principal. I remember a Halloween Dance in 8th grade, he was a referee. I remember seeing him laugh with other teachers, often.
Deborah Armstrong
June 22, 2025
I worked with Russ at Woodhouse. When I was bitter cold he would wait for me and drive me to the door . He was a great guy. RIP my friend. DA
Delbert Sayles Jr
June 20, 2025
Use to have breakfast at Mars Cafe in Mo Valley back in the 60's when working across the street at the Rialto Theater. Sorry to here of his passing.
Deb Masker
June 20, 2025
Went to school with Russat Creighton. What a great person.
Marilyn Newland
June 19, 2025
I went to high school with Russ.
My husband, Dan, and I enjoyed going to the Amphitheater in Glenwood and meeting Sybil and the kids.
Great memories!
Mike Wadum
June 19, 2025
I am so, so sorry. I worked with him at Woodhouse for several years and had many laughs together driving the miles.
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