I am heartbroken to announce the death of my father, Dennis Gene Finke. He passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Wednesday November 30, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. Dennis was known for his huge heart, beautiful smile, and amazing personality. No one was ever a stranger to him, as he loved all who he met, and all who met him loved him. He is best remembered for his laughter and jokes. Above all, Dennis loved God, his family, and his country.
Dennis was born in Columbus, Indiana on May 25, 1943. He is survived by his wife, Helen Joseph Finke, daughter, Cristal Finke, mother, Gladys Finke and siblings Paul Finke and wife Karen and children Brian and Melanie, Sylvia Smith and husband Terry and children Steven, Eric, and Brent, Charlotte Loper and husband Bill, and Timothy Finke and wife Becky and children Michael, Danielle, Sydney, and Claire, brother-in-law Morris Joseph and wife Cheryl and children Cody, Morris, and Jena. In addition, Dennis leaves behind numerous great nieces and nephews that he adored. He is preceded in death by his father Colonel Frederick Finke.
Dennis was a Vietnam Veteran, where he served as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam war. As a U.S. Army Huey helicopter pilot, his bravery and love for his country shined through. The patriotism he learned never left him, as friends and family can attest.
In 1972, Dennis laid eyes on the love of his life when Helen walked into his place of business. They instantly fell in love and were married on September 15, 1973. From that day forward, they never left each other’s side.
Dennis served as a manager of Twin Liquors where his customers sought his expertise on wine. Dennis had a vast knowledge of all wines and could easily help each customer that walked through his door pick out the perfect selection to suit their needs. Dennis also worked as a real estate agent for Joseph Reality, and later became a Broker.
Most remember Dennis’s love for guns and music. He enjoyed many genres of music and was an avid gun collector. His hobby of gun collecting, and shooting is something we will always remember him for.
Visitation will be held on Thursday December 8, 2022 from 5pm-7pm, followed by the rosary at 7, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home located at 6100 N. Lamar Blvd. The funeral service will be held on Friday December 9, 2022 at 11:00 am at Our Lady’s Maronite Church located at 1320 E. 51st St, officiated by Chorbishop Donald J. Sawyer, with the burial to follow at Cook-Walden/ Capital Parks Cemetery located in Pflugerville.
Pallbearers are Chris Dubon, Morris Joseph Jr., Cody Rogers, Mike Eaddy, Eric Smith, and Troy Beaulieu. Honorary pallbearers are Benjamin Doria, Roger Gonzales Barrett, Joshua Barrett, Patrick Howell, Royce Cheyene, and William Kaman.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Finke family.
