David Stephan Finn

Dave was born on November 27, 1945, in Cleveland, OH, the son of Stephan and Helen Modransky Finn. They were wonderful parents and raised their sons with the values of hard work and loyalty that would define their life.

He married Pat Bass Kelley on June 2, 1990 in Peoria, IL.

Dave finished his last year of high school in Dallas, OR where his father moved to a new job. He graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science Engineering (Mechanical) degree in 1968 with one year of graduate work in physical metallurgy.

Dave’s first job began at Towmotor in Dallas, OR and later transferred to Peoria, Illinois with Caterpillar. Dave’s career expanded from Senior Design Engineer for lift trucks to Product Manager for Mining Trucks and Shovels including overseas assignments in Geneva, Switzerland and Larne, Northern Ireland. His last job before retirement was product support development manager in NACD. Dave loved the work and all his job assignments, but what he enjoyed the most was working with Caterpillar dealers and customers. He retired from Caterpillar in 2009 with 41 years of service.

Pat and Dave held many wonderful memories of travels during his overseas assignments, as well as in the U.S. including moving kids to college and visiting them at different places. Those were some of their best years.

Dave was a lifelong enthusiast of piloting airplanes, helicopters, and motorcycles.

Dave was not only a pilot, he contributed significantly to the aviation community.

He designed and built many types of aircraft parts that were not available.

Dave piloted different aircraft over the years including a Stearman, a R22 helicopter, American Champion Explorer, and American Champion Scout. In an earlier time, Dave built a kit plane with a Volks engine. He loved to fly and ride his motorcycle.

In the 1980s he volunteered at the National Stearman Fly-in every September. He enjoyed the many friendships with pilots over the years and at the Lacon Airport.

Riding his motorcycle was relaxing enjoyment for Dave. When living in Northern Ireland he especially enjoyed the green countryside and would often stop to take pictures of views, buildings, landscapes. After retirement he built a motorcycle that he later sold.

Dave was creative and had many interests. His design and mechanical skills lead to many projects after retirement. He loved spending countless hours in his workshop, building, wiring, welding, and repairing. He would generously give his time to lend a helping hand when asked. He loved to teach others especially when they asked for help.

Dave was a talented musician. He played the piano starting at a young age and then began the trumpet in junior high and continued playing throughout his life. He was involved in numerous orchestras.

During his college years at Oregon State the band was scheduled to march at the Rose Bowl Parade. When the band director unexpectedly passed away, leaving not many days to plan, he filled in leading the band at the Rose Bowl.

Dave was thoughtful and interested in anyone he encountered. It was often said by others that when talking to Dave you always walked away learning something new.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pat, her children, Paul Kelley (wife Dr. Kara Shirley), Duluth, MN, Kim (Ed) Kelley, Pekin, IL, and Dave’s children from previous marriage, Doby Finn and Erinn Finn of Monmouth, Oregon. His brother, Joe Finn, Port Townsend, WA, Nephews Ken (Camille) and Brian (Kim) Finn of San Francisco, CA.

Deceased are his parents, and brother-in-laws, Gary Bass, Jack Nieukirk, and sister-in-law, Diane Bass. Dave loved all animals including pets Max, Sammy, Gizmo, and Allie who are deceased.

Services will be held at Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home, 2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, IL on Wednesday, May 13. Visitation at 1:00 p.m. then funeral starting promptly at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Taps No-Kill Animal Shelter, or your favorite animal shelter, Salvation Army Auxiliary, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences and memories can be shared on our website at Woolsey-Wilton.com