Jack Finneseth

John “Jack” Rain Finneseth born October 15, 1935, of Jefferson, Iowa passed away February 18, 2016 in Iowa City surrounded by loved ones at the age of 80 years.

A Service of Remembrance was held Monday, Feb. 22 at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson with Rev. Gordon Moen providing words of comfort.  The music played was “The Servant Song” and “The Lord’s Prayer” with Amanda and Laura Finneseth as the vocalists, Larry Dowd the soloist and organist, Keri Brooker. The congregation sang “Let There Be Peace On Earth.”  Honorary bearers were the grandchildren: David Finneseth, John Finneseth, Amanda Finneseth, Laura Finneseth, Allison Finneseth and Megan Finneseth and the great-grandchildren: Eric Finneseth and Olivia Finneseth.  Casket bearers were Tom Ball, Bill Kibby, Jerald Deal, Jim Schleisman, Joel Friday and Dr. John Canady. Interment was at Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson.  Military honors were by the Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Jack was born October 15, 1935 to Lloyd and Alpha (Rain) Finneseth in Rochester, Minnesota.  He graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1953.  Jack attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa for 2 years.  He then enlisted in the army and served for 2 years.  Jack moved to Jefferson to manage, Anthony’s, a local clothing store.  He met, and then married Kay (Slininger) October 14, 1961 in Jefferson.  During his life, Jack established the Finneseth’s Hallmark Card and Toggery in Jefferson and Carroll.  In the early 1970’s, Jack started his promotional sales career with the Vernon Company and he was a member of the 4 million dollar club.  He was then with the Newton Manufacturing Company and at the time of his death he was with the Halo Corporation.

 Jack is best known for the volunteering he has done over his lifetime and his ability to strike up a conversation with anybody.  Jack was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson, a member of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Jefferson Planning and Zoning board for over 50 years.  He volunteered at the Jefferson Public Library, helped to organize 2 All-School Reunions, volunteered at many Appaloosa horse shows, helped at Deal’s Orchard, timed at Perry and Jefferson track meets and swim meets, counted bikes for the BRR ride, helped organize Jefferson wrestling meets, was the aquatics commissioner for Iowa Games and the Special Olympics, and did various activities during Bell Tower Festival.  He was Iowan of the Day at the Iowa State Fair in 2013.  Jack was also an avid Iowa State Cyclones fan, holding season tickets to numerous sporting events with his wife since the 1960’s.

His greatest joy was his two sons and grandchildren.  He loved the time he was able to spend with family.
 

Jack is survived by his wife, Kay Finneseth of Jefferson; children: Scott (Kay) Finneseth, Perry and Steve (Melissa) Finneseth, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; six grandchildren: David Finneseth, John (Samantha) Finneseth, Amanda Finneseth, Laura Finneseth, Allison Finneseth and Megan Finneseth; two great-grandchildren, Eric and Olivia Finneseth; a brother, Robert (Roberta) Finneseth, Austin, Minn.; nieces and a nephew; other family members and many friends.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Alpha Finneseth.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, (515) 386-2171,  www.sliningerschroeder.com.