Edward Finger

Edward Philip Finger

"Red"

Age 83 of Coal City, passed away Sunday January 16, 2011 at Morris Hospital.

Born August 12, 1927 in Joliet, Red was a son of the late John and Elizabeth Bean-Finger. He was raised in Joliet until moving to Custer Park, where he later graduated from Reed Custer High School with the Class of 1945. Red entered the United States Army on November 15, 1945 and proudly served until his honorable discharge on December 27, 1946. On August 6, 1950, Red married Barbara Sayers in Saint Peter's Lutheran Church in Coal City, and together they resided in Coal City their entire married life. Red worked as a timekeeper at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant until gaining employment in construction, where he was a laborer. Red continued to farm his parents land in Custer Park and later took a position with Amoco Chemical Company, where he retired as a maintenance mechanic after 23 years of service. It was after his retirement that Red and Barb owned and operated Sip n Stuf in Coal City.

Red was a member of Coal City United Methodist Church, The Morris Moose Lodge 967 and the Coal City Area Club, where he enjoyed spending time. He was a charter member of the Coal City Emergency Squad and volunteered as a scout leader, as well as with little league baseball when his children were growing up. Red acquired his pilots license at the age of 50 and truly enjoyed his plane and flying. He followed the local high school sports, and most recently enjoyed keeping up with Coaler Football. Red's family was most important to him, and he cherished family functions and the time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years: Barbara; three children: David (Maxine) Finger of Diamond, Duane "Rusty" (Karen) Finger of Englewood, Florida and Donna (Art) Bertheaume of Diamond; five grandchildren: Nathan (April) Albrecht of Carbon Hill, Megan (Todd) Gilkerson of Joliet and Kristi (Ted Joyce) Albrecht, Kelsi Bertheaume and Kati Bertheaume, all of Diamond; ten great grandchildren: Colin and Vivian Gilkerson, Lauren, Amanda and Dana Albrecht, Cole Albrecht, Sophia, Savanah and Jasmin Berrong and Mason Joyce; one sister-in-law Patricia (the late Norman) Sayers of Coal City; his special cousin Lillian Lombardi of Fort Myers, Florida and several nieces and nephews, as well as additional cousins.

Red was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law: Earl and Matilda Sayers and brother-in-law Norman Sayers.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Wednesday January 19, 2011 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Red will then lie in state Thursday January 20th at the Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 East McArdle Road in Coal City from 9:00AM until time of funeral service 10:00AM. Dr. Thomas Logsdon will officiate and burial will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Red's memory to the Coal City United Methodist Church Building Fund, 6805 East McArdle Road, Coal City, Illinois 60416.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125)