Ronald M. Finses

Ronald M. Finses, 86, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Friendly Village in Rhinelander. Ron was born on May 3, 1938, son of Martin and Evelyn (Bell) Finses. He grew up in Cornell and was active in Boy Scouts becoming an Eagle Scout in 1954. He attended the Boy Scout Jamboree in California in 1953. He attended schools in Cornell and played in the high school band. He learned to play the tuba, which brought him much joy and recognition. He played with several polka bands and enjoyed all music his entire life.

After graduating from high school he served six months in the Army Reserve. He attended college in Eau Claire. He later purchased a small grocery store and gas station in Cornell.

He married the love of his life Elvera “Vera” Prokupek at the Cornell Presbyterian Church in 1961. They had three children: Suzanne, Gregory and Scott. They enjoyed 63 wonderful years together.

In 1965 he began employment as a management trainee at JC Penney in Eau Claire. In his career with Penneys he managed stores in Wabash and Peru, Indiana. In 1993 he moved to Rhinelander and managed the JC Penney store. He retired with a career of 32 years. He was a long-time active member of First Congregational Church.

He enjoyed camping trips in their motorhome. Ron and Vera celebrated their 50th anniversary with family in New York and were interviewed by Al Roker on “The Today Show.” They also enjoyed attending the David Letterman show. In 2001 they flew to Germany with a group of friends and enjoyed the Octoberfest in Munich, and tours of Germany, Czech Republic and Austria. Ron enjoyed mowing grass, plowing snow, and fishing and boating on Crescent Lake.

He is survived by his wife Vera, daughter Suzanne (John) Mooney, sons Gregory (Kim) Finses and Scott (Kim) Finses, five grandchildren: Sarah and Michelle Mooney, and Tyler, Evan and Andrew Finses. He is also survived by his brother James (Judy) Finses in Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A memorial service for Ron will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rhinelander – 135 Larch Street. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Reverend Dale Bishop will be officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Congregational UCC. You may leave your private condolences for the Finses family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Finses family.