Gerald Lee Finke

Peoria, Ariz.

Jerry Finke, 77, of Peoria, AZ passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2023 of natural causes. He spent his final evening with his family enjoying dinner and game night. He was born on July 23, 1946 and spent the majority of his childhood in Minot, North Dakota. He graduated from Minot High School in 1964. He started his retail management career at Piggly Wiggly in Minot, moved to Washington and married Joan K. Sullivan December 16, 1967 residing in Sumner, WA. His professional career spanning 47 years included working at Boeing, Thriftway, ANICA (Alaska Native Industries Cooperative Association), and J&J Wholesale in Washington, Hanson’s Trading/KIC in Kotzebue, Alaska, Country Store and Nome Liquor in Nome, AK, retiring in 2011 and moving to Peoria, AZ to spend time with grandkids and great-grand kids.

Jerry worked many long hours during his career, but always had time for his family. He taught Brenda and Rob how to drive their cars, motorcycles, snow machines, 3 and 4-wheelers, how to shoot a rifle and/or how to hunt and fish. These memories will always be cherished. Jerry’s wife Joan was and will continue to be the love of his life and he is a SUPERHERO to his family for the love and care he provided her until his passing.

Jerry will be missed by all who knew and worked for him over the years. He was an honest, loving man with a gentle soul that would help anyone he met. He always had a great sense of humor and loved sharing good jokes with everyone he knew. His emails filled with jokes and stories will be greatly missed.

Jerry continues to give of himself unselfishly being a donor allowing him to be able to provide many future opportunities of continued life to others. Jerry will continue to live on in all his family members’ hearts. An amazing husband, dad, grandpa/great-grandpa, and friend. We LOVE you always!

Survivors: Wife Joan Finke, Peoria, AZ, daughter, Brenda Spisak, Scottsdale, AZ, son, Rob Finke, Anchorage, AK, three grandkids, Charise (Brian) Schwertfeger, Shawnna Gish (Tim), and Zachary (Kendall) Spisak, eight great-grandkids, Micah, Preston, and Everleigh Schwertfeger, Aiden, Wyatt, and Maren Gish, Hudson and Baby Girl Spisak, all of AZ, and Niece Tara (Troy) Olsonowski, Edgewood, WA.

Preceded in Death: Father, Gordon Finke, Mother, Esma (Ez) Finke, Minot, ND, and Brother, Kenneth Finke, Burien, WA.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, December 30, 2023 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at 7859 W. Port Au Prince Lane, Peoria, AZ 85381. Family and friends are all welcome to attend.

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 9, 2023.