Allen Arthur Finkbeiner, 78, passed away February 21, 2023, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas, surrounded by his family.
Allen was born June 2, 1944, in Wilson, Kansas to Reverend Arthur A. and Ellnor (Schoenberger) Finkbeiner. He grew up in Wilson, Gaylord, Rush Center, and Smith Center – graduating with the Smith Center class of 1962. He also graduated from the Wichita Technical Institute in the years following.
Allen met and married Margaret Hulstine on June 4, 1977. They were blessed with and raised three children, Tim from Allen’s first marriage to Wynona Koker, and Amiee and Holly from his marriage with Margaret. Allen and Margaret celebrated their 45 years of marriage this last June.
Allen worked very hard to provide for his family. He worked at the Co-Op Refinery in Phillipsburg, ran an auto parts store in Ellsworth and transported crude oil in Russell.
Allen enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies including racing cars, participating in the local demolition derby, singing barbershop, restoring classic cars, playing cards and supporting his children in their many activities. Allen was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed following Kansas State athletics, Chiefs football and Royals baseball.
Allen also greatly enjoyed his six grandchildren. He hurried to meet each one upon birth and was at many of their events where they lived in Kansas, Montana and Minnesota.
Allen is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Russell; Tim and Janella Finkbeiner (children Jake and Kallie) of Monticello, Minnesota; Amiee and Dusty Decker (children Jack and Julia) of Clearwater, Minnesota; and Holly and Laran Steele (children Danen and Delanie) of Tribune, Kansas. His surviving family also includes his sisters, Elaine Eller and Gladys Woods, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Allen’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas. Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, February 27, 2023, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening. Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.