Robert Finger

Robert was born April 10, 1920 in Langlade County to Ernst and Gertrude (VanHorn) Finger. He was a graduate of Sheboygan High School, Class of 1938.

During WW II he honorably served his country in the US Army with the 28th Infantry while in the European Theatre in Normandy, North France, Rhineland, Ardennes in Central Europe. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Bronze Star.

On October 22, 1945 he was united in marriage to Lucille Diestelhorst. She preceded him in death on August 8, 1981.

Robert worked as a supervisor at IGA before beginning employment with Security First National Bank, now U.S. Bank, as Public Relations Officer. He retired in 1986 after twenty seven years.

On July 18, 1987 Robert was united in marriage to Kathleen (Bowser) Ayers.

Robert was a faithful member of St. John’s United Church of Christ and was a Charter Member of the Sheboygan Evening Optimist Club. He was a board member of the American Cancer Society, Sheboygan County Big Brothers, and the Rehabilitation Center of Sheboygan. He was also a member of the Sheboygan County Historical Society and Sheboygan Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.

He was a member of the VFW Sheboygan Memorial Post #9156 and the American Legion Sheboygan Chapter.

Bob loved the outdoors, camping and sharing his cottage at Little Elkhart Lake with friends and family. He and Kathleen enjoyed their years of RV traveling throughout the United States. He was a member of the Sheboygan Barbershoppers SPEBSQSA for thirty years. After retirement, while camping in Gulf Shores, Alabama, he became a Charter Member of the 4-Winds Barbershop Chorus which was one of his greatest joys.

In addition to his devoted wife, Kathleen, he is survived by his son, Jack C. (Diane) Finger of Ellison Bay, WI; his daughter, Carrie Brost (Ric) Endicott of Kiel, WI; his step-children, Patrick (Marge) Ayers of Willow Grove, PA, Maureen (Eric) Juul of Kansas City, MO, Andrea (Paul) McDaniel of Austin, TX, Christine (Rod) Kazmerzak of Sun Prairie, WI, Brian (Peggy) Ayers of Sheboygan, James (Karen) Ayers of Austin, TX and John (Donna) Ayers of Los Angeles, CA; his grandchildren, Danielle (David) Lewcock, JoAnna Coulon, Tricia Brost, Nicole (Ryan) Brueckner, Eric (Heather) Endicott, Kristopher (Sarah) Endicott, Tracey Ayers, Jill (Josh) Gold, Rachel (Shawn) Frech, Kristin Finger, Brian (Susan) Finger, Reid (Kristi) Juul, Heather (David) Meyer, Annette Kazmerzak, Angela Kazmerzak, Tom Kazmerzak, Teresa Kazmerzak, Nicholas Ayers, Amanda (Christopher) Medina, Jacob Ayers, Samantha Ayers, Luke Ayers, Blake Ayers, Sean Ayers, Justin Ayers, and Ryan Ayers; fifteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret (Don) Francis of Rockford, IL and Nita (Jack) Fischer of Sheboygan; two sisters-in-law, Mutz Finger of Sheboygan and Josie Finger of Wautoma, WI; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his wife, Lucille, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Janty and Nelva (Dick) Hoerz; and two brothers, Kenneth Finger and Merton Finger.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1248 Lincoln Avenue, Sheboygan. Rev. Gregory S. Whelton, Pastor, will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name.

Robert was a kind, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who had a strong commitment to his community, church, and had great pride in his country. He will always be remembered for his optimism, his strong handshake, and his wonderful smile.

Arrangements under the direction of Ballhorn Chapels, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.