Arthur J. Finke

Arthur John “Art” Finke, 90, of West Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025.

Art was born on May 24, 1935, in Wellsburg, Iowa, to Chris and Florence (Ascher) Finke. He grew up in Wellsburg and graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1953. On September 4, 1957, Art married the love of his life, Janice Kaye Armstrong, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family.

A lifelong learner, Art earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and his master’s degree in Education from Iowa State University. He began his career teaching industrial arts in Readlyn, Iowa, before stepping into leadership roles. In 1968, he became the elementary principal in Gladbrook, and from 1969 to 1996, Art served as an administrator with La Porte City Community Schools. Over the years, he held many positions, including athletic director, junior high principal, buildings and grounds coordinator, and elementary principal. Art’s dedication to education touched countless students, staff, and families, leaving a legacy of leadership and care.

Art’s faith and love of music shaped much of his life. He began singing in his church choir at age 16, a passion that continued throughout his life, and he was always ready to sing a hymn, a favorite tune, or join a harmony with anyone who would sing along.

Fishing, however, was his greatest pastime. Art was a lifelong fisherman who found joy, peace, and friendship on the water. For many years, he traveled with his close-knit fishing group to Lake Ida in Minnesota, where year after year, the same group of friends gathered to share stories, swap fishing tips, and enjoy countless laughs. Those trips became treasured traditions, filled with camaraderie and the kind of memories only made with lifelong friends. Even when the fish weren’t biting, Art was happiest with a pole in his hand, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the fellowship of friends.

Art also had a woodworking gift, crafting beautiful furniture and keepsakes for family and friends—each piece a symbol of his creativity and love. Every member of his family has a handmade reminder of him, whether it’s a piece of furniture or a simple, lovingly crafted item. He was a faithful Chicago Cubs fan, never missing a game in recent years, and a proud member of both the Lions Club and Trees Forever, reflecting his dedication to service and his community.

Art was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jan; his parents, Chris and Florence; his sister, Lillian Buckles; his brother, Elmer Finke; and three great-grandbabies.

He is survived by his five children: Jacquelyn Finke Myli (Rick) of Altoona, IA; Al Finke (Faith) of La Porte City, IA; Jeff Finke (Janelle) of Cedar Falls, IA; Amy Finke of Temple, TX; and Janelle Finke Thompson (Kim) of West Des Moines, IA. He was a proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 15, 2025 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines, with visitation one hour prior. The service will be livestreamed the day of the service click here. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Cedar Falls, IA.

Memorials may be directed to the family and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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