Willard Finn

Finn, Willard L. MADISON - Willard L. Finn, age 77, passed away at home on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007, after a long illness. He was surrounded by loving family members. Born on April 25, 1929, he lived most of his life in Madison. Will was born and raised on the south side of Madison in the neighborhood that was known as "The Bush," of which he had many fond memories, especially of his childhood friends who, to this day, refer to themselves as "the gang." Will joined the army in 1946 and was stationed in Hawaii for most of his stint. After his military service, he was employed with Oscar Mayer where he was a truck driver for nearly 40 years, occasionally driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile at parades and other events. Will married Ruth Anderson on Oct. 30, 1949, and together they raised four children. Though they later divorced, Ruth and Will remained caring friends. In the last decade of his life, Will met Sharie Thomas, who was his loving and joyful partner, and his tireless caretaker through his long illness. After retirement, Will was never idle and held various part time jobs just so he could, as he put it, "meet new people and learn new things." In his sixties, Will completed his high school education and several college courses, accomplishments in which he took great pride. He never lost his curiosity or zest for life. He had a beautiful singing voice and music was one of his great passions. Those who knew and loved him will remember Wills quick wit and his endless supply of jokes and stories. Even the EMTs who rushed him to the hospital during his many emergency visits reported that he kept them laughing all the way through the ER doors, and he continued to amuse the doctors and nurses who cared for him. He especially loved to recount the exploits of his little dog and constant companion, Chico. In his final days, Will spoke affectionately of his old friends from the gang and of his newer friends with whom he spent his mornings at the Dairyland Restaurant. Survivors include his loving partner, Sharie Thomas of Madison; his former wife, Ruth Wanek of McFarland; three daughters, Sandra (Linda) Finn of Madison, Shelly (Wally) Hlaban of Juneau and Connie (Gerry) Lovett of Troy, Ohio. He is also survived by grandchildren, Ellen (Glenn) Weaver, Seth (Lauren) Curkeet, Wendy (Steve) Rehborg, Ross Curkeet, Joseph Schmitz, Erin Lovett, and Michael Lovett. Will lived to see the recent arrival of twin great-grandchildren, Noah and Kira Rehborg. Sharies daughter, Tammy (Scott) Bolstead and her children, Brett, Kyle, Rose, and Skyler, loved Will and knew him as grandpa. His sisters, Mae Pyne and Alice Peterson also survive him. He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Finn; five brothers; and a sister. A memorial service be held on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007, at 4 p.m., at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service.