Keith Finer

Keith Finer, 92, a lifelong farmer of Thompson, passed away peacefully August 18, 2024 at home with family at his side. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center with Pastor Sue Shike officiating. Burial will follow at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson, followed by lunch at the Branding Iron. Visitation will be on Friday from 5–7 p.m. at Schott Funeral Home – Mittelstadt Chapel in Lake Mills.

Keith was born July 2, 1932 at his parents’ home in rural Thompson to Rudolph and Evelyn (Anderson) Finer, the 7th of 11 children. Following graduation, Keith was drafted into the army in January, 1953 during the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Carson, CO, Fort Irwin, CA, and Fort Knox, KY, before being honorably discharged in 1955. During this time, he drove a tank. Though not officially confirmed, the family believes he was one of the army’s faster tank drivers.

After his military service, he returned home to farm with his dad. One night after chores, he went to the local skating rink and met and impressed Beverly Balvance of Buffalo Center with his roller skating ability. They married in 1958 and purchased the home farm shortly thereafter. Keith continued farming for 50 more years raising crops, hogs, and cattle, while maintaining a dairy operation. He retired from farming in 2009 and suffered a stroke just months later. Keith’s paralysis did not stop him from attending and enjoying many more years of cherished family gatherings, grandkids and community events, and going to town where his friends were waiting to assist him with a curbside wheelchair to take him inside for coffee and conversation.

Keith served on many community boards (WCTA, Creamery, Elevator, County Extension, and Veteran Affairs) and was a long-time 4-H leader and church council member. While serving on the VA board, he organized the 1st Honor Flight for Winnebago County World War II veterans. Keith so enjoyed annual MN/Canada fishing trips with friends and family, and winter trips to Arizona with Bev. He and other locals helped build the Thompson swimming pool, the FFA building and a grocery/convenience store. The “Hometown Market” opened in April, 2000 and the store continues today. When other Midwest towns were struck by natural disasters he would volunteer and travel to help those communities needing assistance. He was also an avid sports fan cheering on the Cyclones, Twins, Vikings, and anyone in NASCAR driving a Ford. However, his favorite team was always the Thompson Cubs or whichever team his grandkids were playing for or coaching.

Keith is survived by his wife and longtime caregiver, Bev, his five sons, Wendell of Thompson, Kevin (Susan) of Henderson, NV, Tim (Leslie) of Iowa City, Randy (Robyn) of Lake Mills, and Marcus (Dena) of Pleasant Hill, 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three siblings; Ruby Olson, Ken (Sue) Finer and Barb (Ron) Thompson, and in-laws Ken (Marilyn) Balvance and Kermith (Cindy) Balvance, and his beloved 34 nieces and nephews.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; siblings and their spouses Eileen (Jim) Strong, Virginia (Bob) Severson, Ardis (Joe) Olson, Vincent (Eunice) Finer, Marjorie (Alvin) Senne, Junior (Joan) Finer, and Lois (Ralph) Holst; daughter-in-law Helen Finer, brother-in-law Richard Olson; two nieces, Beverly (Olson) Heinlen and Dawn (Finer) Margro; and nephew, Jeff Olson. The family is truly grateful for the compassion and care he received from the staff of Lake Mills Care Center, Westview Care Center in Britt, and St. Croix Hospice.

 Messages and tributes may be left at www.schottfuneralhomes.com