Kevin Charles Finke

Kevin Finke, age 75, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026. Born on February 21, 1951, in Iowa City, Iowa, Kevin lived a life filled with a love of sports, a passion for coaching and education, and a deep devotion to his family. He was happily married to Jane Olson Finke for 46 years, sharing a lifetime of love, memories, and family.

Sports were an important part of Kevin’s life from an early age. Growing up in Iowa City, he participated in every sport he could during junior high and high school, excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track. His talent on the football field earned him recognition from the Chicago Tribune, which selected him for the Golden Helmet Award as a prep football All-Star in 1968.

Kevin’s athletic journey continued at Colorado State University, where he received a football scholarship and played for one year. Following a coaching change, he tried out for the baseball team and earned a baseball scholarship for his remaining three years. He graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and later earned a Master of Arts degree in elementary counseling from Truman State University.

Kevin’s love of sports extended well beyond his own playing days. Teaching and coaching became important parts of his career, beginning with positions in Tipton, Iowa, and Mooseheart, Illinois. After moving to Colorado, he returned to Truman State University as head baseball coach.

Throughout his career, Kevin touched lives in a variety of ways. He worked as an elementary school counselor in Fort Morgan and Pueblo District 60, helping guide and support young people. He also worked as a sales representative for Pharmacists Mutual Insurance and later served as a guard for the Colorado Department of Corrections. No matter where his career took him, his background in sports and education remained an important part of who he was.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kevin found great joy in coaching his own children’s sports teams. He was proud of his Iowa roots and remained a devoted, die-hard Iowa Hawkeye fan throughout his life. In retirement, he discovered pleasure in gardening, where he regularly produced an abundance of vegetables. Whether cheering for his favorite team, coaching from the sidelines, or tending his garden, Kevin appreciated the simple joys and meaningful connections that made life special.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Verla Finke; his parents-in-law, David and Joan Olson; his brother-in-law, Paul Olson; and his grandparents.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Jane; his children, Sarah (Pedro) Carvalho and Garrett (Kylie) Finke; his cherished grandsons, Lucas Carvalho and Oliver Carvalho; his sisters, Vicki (Tom) Fields and Pam (Brian) Egel; his sister-in-law, Helen (Tom) Kratzer; his brother-in-law, Eric Olson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kevin will be remembered for his lifelong passion for sports, his dedication to coaching and education, his pride in his Iowa Hawkeyes, and, above all, his love for his family. The lessons he taught, the lives he influenced, and the memories he created will live on in all who knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Donations may be made in his name to the King of Kings Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 2561 Vinewood Ln, Pueblo, Co 81005-2744.