Irvin Russell Finke, 92, Columbus

Irvin Russell Finke, 92, a resident of Columbus, Indiana, passed from this life at 10:45 p.m. Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Silve Oaks Health Campus.

Mr. Finke was born in Columbus, November 2, 1930, the son of Walter L. and Katharine Hoeltke Finke. On June 18, 1950, Irvin married Joyanne Growe; she preceded him in death May 13, 2007.

Mr. Finke worked on the farm from the age of four to the time he slowed down at the age of 85. He was involved in the farming community in Bartholomew County his entire life. He was a dealer and distributor of Voris and LG seeds. Mr. Finke was associated with the Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery for nearly 40 years; he served as the caretaker and trustee. He was a faithful member of Sandy Hook United Methodist Church. Mr. Finke loved riding around the community, checking crops, stopping by the elevator to check prices and talk with the men, and going to lunch at Steak ‘n Shake.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his daughters, Jill (Mike) Wilkerson of Columbus and Lesa McQueen of Arlington, Virginia; grandchildren, Andrew Wilkerson of Terre Haute, Erin (Kevin) Jant of Bowling Green, Kentucky and Audrey (Justin) Baute of Westfield; great-grandchildren, Everhett and Eleanor Jant and Kai Baute; brothers, Richard Finke of Hope and Joe (Dottie) Finke of Columbus; sister, Dorothy Cox of Columbus; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

Mr. Finke was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyanne; an infant brother; brother, Eugene Finke; brothers and sisters-in-law, Marshall and Jeanette Finke and Harold and Mary Margaret Finke; sister and brother-in-law, Irene and John Nading; brother-in-law, Vern Cox; and sister-in-law, Jackie Finke.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 14, 2023, at Sandy Hook United Methodist Church; the Reverend Paul Dazet will officiate.

Family and friends may gather for visitation from 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street and from 9:30 a.m. until service time Monday at the church. Mr. Finke will be laid to rest next to his wife at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sandy Hook United Methodist Church, Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery or the Clifford Volunteer Fire Department.

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family and a video tribute may be seen at barkesweaverglick.com.