Patricia “Pat” Finkel
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On September 7, 2016 @ 1:12 pm In 2016,Obituaries | 14 Comments
Patricia “Pat” Finkel, of Prior Lake, passed away on September 7, 2016 at the age of 78. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, September 12, 2016 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM with a Celebration of Life Service at 6:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation; 4565 Pleasant Street SE; Prior Lake, MN. Chaplain Jen Johnson and Chaplain Wil VerMeer will preside. Pat’s son, Jerry, will act as an urn bearer. Pat will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
On August 17, 1938, Charles and Gladys Danley celebrated the birth of their daughter, Patricia Ann. Pat was the eldest child in her family, and she always found herself looking out for her siblings. Until age 12, Pat was raised by her single father and grandmother. She quickly learned the importance of family. When Pat’s father married Catherine, Pat was thrilled to have a new mom and all of the siblings that followed over the years.
As a young woman, Pat was quite the thrill seeker. She loved going on roller coasters and was known for climbing water towers. This is a bit ironic since later in life, Pat became terrified of both water and heights. She also enjoyed singing and was active in her church and school choirs.
Soon Pat got a job at the local store, and this job changed her life. Bill Finkel transferred into the store as assistant manager. Pat and Bill hit it off immediately and were soon in love. They exchanged wedding vows on February 28, 1959 and were blessed with five wonderful children.
Bill’s job required that the Finkel family moved a lot over the years, but this created such a special bond amongst their family. While Bill was working hard to support his family, Pat was at home running the household and raising their kids. She did a fantastic job! Their doors were always open to friends and neighborhood kids too. Pat was tough and had strict rules, but she was always fair and loved her family unconditionally. She often warned her kids, “You can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can NEVER fool your mom.”
Family was the most important thing in Pat’s life, and many of her hobbies and interests revolved around them. She was Cub Scout and Brownie Leader. She helped with the booster clubs and taught Sunday School. Pat even went back to school to earn her high school degree and graduated at the same time as her son. Pat was the “neighborhood mom” and she always had delicious treats ready for anyone who stopped by. Eventually, Bill and Pat settled in Prior Lake, and some of their kids soon followed.
She truly instilled the importance of family in each of her kids. And when the grandkids came along, she taught them the same lessons. Pat and Bill loved having all of their grandkids come to their home to spend a few weeks with grandma and grandpa during summer vacation.
Pat was supportive, encouraging and a beautiful woman. In fact, in her youth she was a finalist in a Beauty Contest. She always put the needs of others before her own. Pat passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side. During her last few weeks, Pat received excellent care from her family and support by Optage Hospice team. She will be deeply missed and remembered always by those who loved her.
Pat is survived by her husband and friend of 57 years, Bill; sons, Jerry Finkel, Keith (Cathy) Finkel and Jeff Finkel; daughters, Karen Finkel and Dana (Craig) Adelmann; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters Doris (Dick) Shirley and Doreen Black; brothers, Charles (Carole) Danley and Thomas (Linda) Danley; other loving relatives and friends. Pat is preceded by her parents, Charles and Catherine Danley; birth mom, Gladys Danley; step-brother, Michael Danley.
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Dear Marcia,
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I was so blessed to have both my mother and father’s support in help getting my girls to and from school! I know that my mother and father were very fond of you! You were always friendly to them which meant a lot! With Love, Karen
May the Lord comfort and help you through this very difficult time. I offer my condolences to you all.
We r so sorry to hear of this loss, I didn’t get to know her very well but the way her granddaughters spoke of her you can tell she was a loving person and always there with her loved ones who hen they needed her. She is watching over you girls always and know she will continue to be there for u
We love you guys so very much
❤️❤️
Finkle Family,
I was sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. My condolences to all of you.
Phyllis Hendrix
Mrs. Finkel, (I still can’t call her Pat even though we’re all grown up now) was a wonderful second mother to so many of us growing up. She always had a place at her table and in my case a very large bowl of spinach dip waiting when we came to visit. She set the example on how to be an engaged and loving wife, mom and grandma. I am so very blessed to have had Mrs. Finkel in my life. I am going to miss her but I know she is in heaven rejoicing. Prayers and hugs to her family.
Many wonderful memories with all our family and cousins growing up. Memories that remain in our heart for eternity
I feel so honored I got to know your family! What a joy to meet such fantastic people. Pat was very lucky to have all of the love and support from her family. She loved you all very much and often told me how lucky she felt. What an incredible individual. Hold tight to your memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Peace.
Many prayers to all of you- I am so grateful to know all of you and Pat. Such a lovely lady with so many blessings.
Love to you all,
I am so sorry for your loss. Pat was always very kind to me – letting us raid the refrigerator before our adventures, cooking ALL of us breakfast after the prom, coloring my hair, chatting with me while I waited for Karen to get ready to go somewhere, the list goes on and on. She will be missed. My thoughts, prayers, hugs, and love to the entire Finkel family.
Uncle Bill, Jerry, Keith, Jeff, Karen & Dana, My deepest condolences on the passing of Aunt Patty. We lost mom (Doris Shirey) on 9-3-16. Both sisters have gone home to be with Jesus. I have so many great memories of Aunt Patty, from all of the times we visited over the years. I will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Ric Shirey
We only knew Pat for a very short time, and she enriched our lives at Cherrywood Pointe. A woman of grace and great spirit who added so much to our community. May God bless the family she has left behind and may she find the peace she so deserves. Clyde and Marlene
Although miles separate us, our hearts are joined with all of you there as you celebrate the wonderful life of my dear sweet aunt. My the Lord surround you with His everlasting comfort during this time. We love you all.
Jerry:
I am so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, I know how close you and your mother were. All my thoughts and prayers are with you.
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I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I worked at the girls’ elementary school and have watched them flourish into very fine young women. May god hold you in his healing hands during this difficult time.