Grace O. Finkenbinder

MADISON-Grace O. Finkenbinder passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2008. Grace was born Olga Grace Balazs, November 20, 1929, in Chicago, IL. She was one of two daughters of Hungarian immigrants John and Gizella Balazs. It was in Chicago, through early piano lessons, that Grace developed her passion for music. She went on to earn a degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, where she met the man who became her husband and her best friend, Paul Finkenbinder. After graduation, they lived on the Finkenbinder family farm near Stockton, IL. Grace traveled the country roads to teach music to students in rural schools for several years. Grace and Paul became the parents of two children, John and Ann, and when they were of school age, Grace continued her teaching career in the Stockton school district as an elementary teacher and reading specialist. However, Grace never stopped playing the piano. She was an accomplished accompanist, much in demand by performers of all ages, including many Stockton school students, as well as amateur and professional soloists in the area. While pursuing a graduate degree in reading at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Grace became a valued studio accompanist for the renowned vocal teacher, Bettina Bjorksten, who introduced her and Paul to the musical community in Madison in the 1960s. Grace and Paul fell in love with Madison, and when Paul retired from farming, they made Madison their home for 8 wonderful years. After Pauls death, in 2000, Grace continued to play the piano, as an accompanist and mentor for her musical grandchildren, and as a piano four-hands partner with her dear friend, Mary Potts. She enjoyed being a member of the Euterpe Club of Madison and the Waunakee Senior Bridge group. Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Paul. She is survived by her children John (Becky) Finkenbinder of Freeport, IL, Ann (David) Larson of Middleton, WI, and a sister Lilian (Richard) Dudkiewicz of Freeport, IL. She has 5 grandchildren, whom she adored, John P. Finkenbinder and Lori (Brad)Lentz of San Diego, CA, Audrey, Elizabeth, and Emily Larson of Middleton, WI. A private service will be arranged by the family. Donations in Graces name may be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center of Madison, WI, the University of Wisconsin School of Music, or a charity of choice. The family would like to give special thanks to all the HospiceCare doctors and nurses who cared so lovingly for Grace in her last months. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Centers 7435 Univeristy Ave. 608-831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com