Eleanor Clara Finken

Eleanor Clara Finken (nee Weyer), born September 5, 1916, passed away on September 1, 2016, just four days shy of her 100th birthday. Eleanor was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Andrew Finken; parents, Charles N. and Mary A. Weyer; daughter, Mary A. Raduenz; sister, Colette A. McCurdy; brother, Charles M. Weyer and special pups, Minnie and Tia. She is survived and missed by her children, Paul W. Finken, Mark J. Finken, Colette M. (Ernest) Preimesberger; grandchildren, John, Deborah, Lena, Elaine, Karen, and Joseph; great-granddaughters, Eleanor and Sienna; beloved sister, Helen R. Hartwich; and many nieces and nephews. A graduate of the University of the Minnesota School of Nursing with a degree in education as were her sisters, Helen and Colette, Eleanor had a 40 year career of care giving and in-service teaching. While at Lakeview Hospital she established the Insurance Education Department, and later served as service administrator. She retired as Director of Nursing Service at Lakeview Memorial Hospital in 1979, with heartfelt thanks for her years of service. Also, Eleanor was a long time member of St. Michaels’ Catholic Church where she was active in the CCW St. Anthony Band, and a member of the choir for many years. She loved to crochet and shared her talent by making shawls for the comfort of others, and blue and pink hats for newborns. Known for her smile and kind manner, she always saw her cup as overflowing. She was a believer in synchronicity and that things have a way of “planning out.” She participated in senior aerobics for many years into her late 90’s and was known as the “Lady in Pink.” Eleanor was a very creative person, and known for her “Spoolies” which she shared with her family and friends, and also chair caning. She loved her North Hill home, birds, music, playing the piano, dancing, a good game of bridge, refinishing furniture, making currant jelly and elderberry and dandelion wine, freezing fresh corn and strawberries to be enjoyed later, rolling out cookies with her grandchildren, and just enjoying her family, friends, and pups. She felt that family and history were most important, so her children found many hand written notes throughout her home to give heirlooms context, a final gift of love and the meaning of family. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 with a visitation one hour prior to the Mass in the church atrium. Burial at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Bayport, MN. Memorials in Eleanor’s name are preferred to the Church of St. Michael, Stillwater, MN or The Community Thread, Stillwater, MN.

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