Shirley Margaret Finger

MADISON – Shirley Margaret Finger, age 83, died on Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, with family members at her side. She was born on Oct . 6, 1929, to George and Della (Kindschi) Wintermantel in Prairie du Sac. She graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1947. After attending North Central College in Naperville, Ill., she graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1951, with a Bachelor of Science Degree. From 1951 until 1953 she taught Home Economics in Richland Center Public Schools, and from 1953 until 1955 she continued her teaching in Whitewater Public Schools. In 1955, Shirley married Kendall Finger, and both began teaching in the Madison Public Schools. Beginning in 1957, Shirley was a homemaker while raising three children. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and taught Sunday School classes as well as being a loving wife. In 1971, she returned to teaching in the Madison Public Schools and continued that work until her retirement in 1987. She was a member of American Association of University Women and Lake Edge United Church of Christ where she served the membership in many important capacities. She was also a member of the Wisconsin Educators’ Association and the Madison Area Retired Educators. She will be remembered for her unselfishness and faithfulness to her family, church, friends and co-workers. In retirement, Shirley shared many enjoyable trips with her husband and family in all parts of Wisconsin and the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Germany and Austria. She enjoyed sports and was a life-long Badger and Packer fan. Shirley especially liked spending time at the family cottage near Lake Tomahawk, with family and friends while pontooning, swimming, observing wildlife and hiking in the woods. Her family was always first in her life and her grandchildren gave her great pleasure. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Ken; her children Mark (Linda) Finger of Madison, Todd (Joan) Finger of Fenton, Mo., and Jean (Ron) Thoni of Madison; six grandchildren, Bethany and Brian Finger of Fenton, Mo., Kip and Leigh Finger and Spencer and Alec Thoni of Madison; sister, Janice Bender of Prairie du Sac; and cousins, nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, with the Rev. Lex Liberatore presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, and also at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. A luncheon will be served at the church following the burial. Memorials may be given to Lake Edge United Church of Christ or Oakwood Village East Lutheran Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420