William James Finn

1938  –  2024

William James Finn was called to eternal life at the age of 87 on October 17, 2024. He now rests in peace, reunited with his beloved wife, Corinne Mary Finn (nee’ Skowron, passed 2022), son Christopher Edwin (2020), parents Augusta (“Gussie” nee’ Paulsen, passed 1983) and William Patrick (passed 1965), and five siblings. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and humor.

Cherished by his surviving family, Bill is remembered by his children: William James Finn, Jr. (Kirsten Lee), Andrea Terese Finn, and Rebecca Ewald (Eric Allen). His memory will live on through his grandchildren Sommer Karolina Finn, Emily Esther Ewald, and Macy Finn Ewald, as well as his step-grandchildren Samuel Joseph and Margaret Lee Mulvey.

A Life of Service, Love, and Community

Born in Wayne, Nebraska, in 1938, Bill grew up in a close-knit family and graduated from Wayne High School as a proud Blue Devil. He later earned his master’s degree in education from the University of South Dakota. He followed the military example of his two older brothers, Warren and Merlin, by serving his country in the U.S. Army Active Reserve. He attained the rank of Captain, and was honorably discharged in 1973.

Bill’s journey led him to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he began his professional career as a Northwestern Mutual agent and later as a loan officer at Marshall & Ilsley Bank. At a Catholic singles dance, Bill met the love of his life, Corinne, sweeping the local Polish girl off her feet with a spirited Nebraska-style polka. They married on October 21, 1967, at St. Hedwig’s Church, embarking on a life filled with family, faith, and community.

Together, Bill and Corinne raised four children. Bill’s passion for providing his children with an education shaped his commitment to managing properties, which became the focus of his work over time. Their marriage was nurtured by dear lifelong friends the Fuqua, Poelzer, Diehl, and Ponce families from their IMAGE marriage enrichment group, a community they treasured throughout their lives.

Faith, Family, and Legacy

The Finns were active parishioners of Saint Monica’s Parish in Whitefish Bay, where they resided for 55 years. At Saint Monica’s, you could find Bill sharing readings for the mass or singing in the Family Choir. Bill and Corinne’s faith-filled marriage also extended into service as they counseled engaged couples, offering guidance through the church.

After Corinne’s passing in 2022, Bill moved to the Milwaukee Catholic Home, where he embraced his new community with joy and resilience. He spent his days singing, making art, sharing stories, and even sneaking out occasionally to get a “proper” haircut from a neighborhood barber. His family, especially daughter Rebecca and grandchildren Emily and Macy, continued to brighten his days with frequent visits and shared laughter.

Bill’s sense of humor and ability to connect people remained strong, even as dementia and physical ailments took their toll. Though his body grew weaker, his spirit never dimmed. This year would have marked 58 years of marriage to Corinne—a milestone they will now celebrate in heaven, dancing together for all the October 21sts to come.

Gratitude and Remembrance

The Finn and Ewald families extend their deep gratitude to Bill’s neighbors, Heather and Tim Spencer, and Cindy and Doug Stephenson, for their unwavering kindness and support. A special thank-you goes to Rebecca Ewald, whose tireless care and advocacy ensured Bill received the best care during his final years. The family is also profoundly grateful to the incredible staff and residents of the Milwaukee Catholic Home for their compassionate care and countless gestures of kindness that brought comfort and joy to Bill’s final days.

William James Finn’s life was defined by love, faith, service, and community. He leaves behind a legacy of  memories, and his family finds comfort knowing that he is now at peace, dancing in eternity with Corinne.

Please make any donations in memory of Bill to Bay Area Outreach Programs (BORP) to support adaptive sports and recreation, the passion of Bill’s son Christopher.

https://borp.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

Visitation Friday, October 25, 2024 at St. Monica Parish 5681 N Santa Monica Blvd. Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 from 10:00 AM until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.  Private Interment Wisconsin Memorial Park.