Marvin Lee Finke, 95, Columbus

Marvin Lee Finke, 95, passed away on Sunday November 5, 2023, at Miller’s Merry Manor, in Hope Indiana under Hospice care after a short illness.

He was born May 20, 1928, to Albert H. Finke and Esther E.M. Armuth Finke in Columbus Indiana. He attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School and was a life member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where he was confirmed, an usher, an elder, and member of many boards. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1945 and had attended Clifford High School as a freshman and sophomore.

He married Helen Gommel of Columbus in September 1951. They were blessed with three children, Susan Finke Scott, John M. Finke, both of Columbus, Indiana and Cyndy Shupe of Cadillac, Michigan. Helen passed away June 19, 1995. In December of 1998, he marred Pauline Luenebrink Schlehuser.

Marvin was a lifelong grain and dairy farmer and a member of many farm and livestock organizations. He was awarded the Rural Service Award in 1986 and the Conservation Award in 1995. He won many awards in dairy production and showing. He and his family won the esteemed Holstein Progressive Breeder’s Registry award three years.

He was also active in politics starting as precinct committeeman then County Council from 1970 to 1980. Eventually he became Bartholomew County Commissioner for three terms. Highlights of those years were conservative fiscal spending as commissioner in charge of the new county jail, Southern Crossing, and the Owens Bridge projects. He and wife Helen traveled the country roads and bridges many evenings a week looking for the projects.

He enjoyed playing cards, sports, showing cattle, and mentoring young farmers. He was also a past member of the Drainage Board, Bartholomew County Library Board, and an early member of the Clifford Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife Pauline of 25 years, his three children, Susan, John, and Cyndy; stepchildren, Terry (Ruth) Schlehuser and Deena (Jon) Stoner; grandchildren, Betsy (Michael) Place, Nick Stoner, and Katie Stoner, all from Columbus. He was proceeded in death by his first wife Helen, his parents, his sisters and their spouses, Thelma (Ken) Breeden and Irma (Norman) Steinhaus, a grandson, Alan Schlehuser, and son-in-law, Steve Doughten.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with the Rev. Tim Carter officiating.

Family and friends may gather for visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. until service time Thursday.

He will be laid to rest next to his first wife at Garland Brook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or Helen Finke Children’s Collection of Hope Branch of Bartholomew County Library.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com.